Stepfather Imprisoned in Kortenberg Malnutrition Death Case

Kortenberg (Brussel Morning Newspaper) – A Leuven court sentenced two men, including a stepfather, for neglecting a 48-year-old woman who died of malnutrition in Kortenberg, citing failure to assist.

After a prolonged period of inaction on the part of her landlord and her unemployed stepfather, the woman passed away in March 2024 from the effects of malnourishment and deprivation. The stepfather received a 15-month effective prison sentence. The landlord received a six-month suspended prison sentence.

The victim passed away from malnourishment and deprivation in a home in Kortenberg, Belgium, on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. The victim was in a vulnerable situation since they were unemployed and unwell. The 48-year-old woman rented a room in the property from her unemployed stepfather.

Due to deprivation, their dog passed away on the same day as the victim. The victim and her stepfather had a toilet, sink, and shower in their room. Additionally, they could make use of the ground floor kitchen in the landlord’s living space.

The victim and the stepfather shared a room day and night. There didn’t seem to be much food in the house. Furthermore, the food that was available frequently went bad. The kitchen was rarely or never utilized, and cooking did not occur. When her stepfather wasn’t home, the victim couldn’t even do the latter.

The Leuven court states that the stepfather was undoubtedly aware of the victim’s worrying condition.

“Yet he failed to call for help for his stepdaughter, whom he had known since she was a child and with whom he shared a small living space.”

According to the criminal file, the landlord was aware that the victim was not receiving the required care, that both of his tenants were living on the outskirts of society, and that they both needed a lot of aid. The court further presumes that it took months for the person to die from deprivation.

“It is horrifying that both men looked the other way all this time and failed to render aid to a dying victim. They left her to die like an animal.” 

The court considers the landlord’s share to be smaller. Even though he was a landlord and knew the victim was in serious danger, he did nothing to help. A room that does not satisfy any housing quality standards is not deemed to be an element of aid by the court.

What actions did the landlord and stepfather fail to take to prevent her death?

Even though the woman was in serious danger, the unemployed stepfather, who was a responsible close family member, failed to give basic care and support. Throughout her protracted time of deprivation, he neglected to make sure she got enough food, medical care, or other essential support. Her illness deteriorated and she eventually passed away as a direct result of this omission.

The landlord failed to uphold their obligation to provide a secure and livable space. 

This involves being aware of the woman’s declining health yet doing nothing to address it or voice concerns. The landlord may have failed to give or guarantee access to necessary services or help, or they may have ignored indications of neglect.