The northeastern Commewijne district of Suriname was shattered by an unprecedented act of violence in the early hours of Sunday, December 28, 2025, when a man embarked on a lethal stabbing spree that claimed nine lives, including three of his own children. The incident represents one of the most severe cases of domestic violence in the nation’s recent history.
According to multiple media reports, the assailant, whose identity remains undisclosed, first turned on his family. The victims included his children aged 15, 7, and 5 years old. His 16-year-old daughter survived multiple stab wounds and managed to flee to neighboring homes screaming for assistance. Her desperate cries for help tragically drew more victims into the tragedy.
A married couple who responded to the adolescent’s distress calls were fatally stabbed while attempting to intervene. The violence then escalated as the perpetrator moved to an adjacent residence, where he murdered 63-year-old Louise Wijntuin, another woman temporarily residing at the address, and a grandchild.
Additional victims sustained serious injuries during the attack. Wijntuin’s husband and daughter, Denorah, were transported to emergency medical facilities with multiple stab wounds and remain under observation.
Preliminary investigations by Starnieuws suggest the suspect may have been experiencing an acute mental health crisis. Sources indicate the violence erupted following a telephone argument with his estranged wife regarding child custody arrangements.
Law enforcement authorities located and apprehended the suspect shortly after the incident. During the arrest operation, police were forced to discharge their firearms, shooting the armed suspect in the legs after he threatened officers with a knife.
Forensic teams have launched an extensive investigation across multiple crime scenes, with additional personnel deployed due to the magnitude of the tragedy.
Surinamese President Jennifer Simons expressed profound shock on social media, stating: “We are confronted with the harsh reality that there is another side to the world. A father who takes the lives of his own children and also kills his neighbors in the process.”
Justice and Police Minister Harish Monorath extended official condolences to bereaved families, emphasizing that “This tragedy deeply affects us all and underscores the urgent need to protect our society from such violence.”