Chris Vanhaverbeke Appears in Bruges Assize Court Over Daughters’ Deaths

Chris Vanhaverbeke, 48, has appeared before the Bruges Assize Court for the first time in the trial over the deaths of his two young daughters, Maud, 8, and Ona, 5, and an alleged attempt to kill their mother.

The jury selection for the highly serious case began in Bruges. Vanhaverbeke, a farmer from Waardamme in Oostkamp, West Flanders, is accused of killing his daughters and attempting to kill their mother on November 16, 2022.

The case began after the family’s marriage broke down and the couple moved toward divorce.

According to prosecutors, Vanhaverbeke killed Maud and Ona by suffocating them at the family home in Waardamme. The girls were 8 and 5 years old.

The same day, he allegedly made a disturbing phone call to their mother, Astrid, telling her that she would no longer see the children and that he intended to kill himself and take the children with him. Astrid immediately contacted emergency services.

When police arrived at the family property, they found the two girls dead inside the house. Vanhaverbeke was not there at the time. Police later tracked him down and arrested him after a search.

He has remained in custody since November 2022.

Earlier violence against his wife

The case also comes after earlier legal proceedings involving Vanhaverbeke and his former wife.

In August 2022, several months before the deaths of Maud and Ona, the couple had an argument at home. During the dispute, Vanhaverbeke struck his then-wife in the head with a label-making machine.

He was later prosecuted for domestic violence and rape. In February 2024, a Bruges court sentenced him to four months in prison with a suspended sentence and an 800-euro fine, also suspended, for the violence against his former wife.

However, he was acquitted of the rape charge.

Alleged attempt to harm his ex-wife

Investigators also examined what happened at the family home after Vanhaverbeke killed his daughters.

Police found that electrical cables at the property had been cut. Investigators suspected that he may have intended to electrocute his former wife when she returned to the house.

Vanhaverbeke disputed that interpretation. He said he had cut the cables to make it harder for investigators to find the bodies.

The alleged attempt to kill his former wife is now part of the case before the Assize Court.

He continued contacting her from prison

Even after being imprisoned, Vanhaverbeke continued contacting his former wife.

According to court reports, he sent her letters and repeatedly called her from prison. He also gave her telephone number to another inmate, who subsequently contacted her.

The harassment led to a separate criminal case. Vanhaverbeke initially received a five-month suspended sentence, but prosecutors appealed, arguing that the punishment was too light.

In April 2025, the Ghent Court of Appeal increased the sentence to eight months in prison.

The case caused further distress for the children’s mother. Her lawyer said she remained deeply affected and afraid of Vanhaverbeke.

First appearance before the Assize Court

Almost four years after the deaths of his daughters, Vanhaverbeke has now appeared before the Bruges Assize Court for the main trial.

He entered the courtroom appearing tense, keeping his hands close to his body while answering questions from the presiding judge.

Experienced Assize lawyer Kris Vincke is representing him.

Twelve jurors are being selected for the trial. Their selection marks the formal start of proceedings in a case that has been under investigation since November 2022.

Vanhaverbeke faces the Assize Court over the deaths of Maud and Ona and the alleged attempt to kill their mother. The court will examine the evidence and arguments before reaching a verdict.