The Police of Amsterdam has decided to use a hologram to try to solve the murder of a 19-year-old Hungarian prostitute, Bernadett ‘Betty’ Szabóon February 20, 2009. Thus, they have created an installation in the Red Light District, which will be active all week, as an attempt to to get new leads that could lead to the perpetrator of the tragic stabbing that shook the Netherlands fifteen years later.
The hologram shows a blonde woman in shorts, black print bra and a large dragon tattooed between the waist and chest who, from a window, asks for “help” from passersby to solve her crime.. The Hungarian girl was 18 years old when she arrived in Amsterdam in 2008 from Nyíregyházay and was forced into prostitution behind the windows of the famous Red Light District.
Betty became pregnant, but continued to receive clients until she gave birth. Her baby ended up in a foster home and she returned to prostitution, but, three months later, she was murdered. On the night of her death, February 19, two coworkers noticed that they had not seen her. At first they thought Betty might have had a bad day or that she had gone home early. Late in the evening they decided to check on her. finding her in a pool of blood.
Police analyzed the crime scene, reviewed cameras, and interviewed witnesses, without reaching clear conclusions. In addition, a 46-year-old man was arrested, but eventually released for lack of evidence. Then, the murder shocked the country and dozens of people participated in a silent march to denounce the murder and demand protection for sex workers.
“Doing justice.”
Now, fifteen years later, the Amsterdam Police want to make one last attempt for that the case does not remain unsolved and has started this intensive campaign. With this, information about the case has been published in different ways; they have filled the Red Light District with stickers with details about Betty and her death; there are screens showing images of the crime scene and the last video of her and a documentary has been made. But the main element is the life-size hologram inspired by Betty. who, seated on a stool, interacts with passersby to ask for help.
“Doing it this way. Is unique and, let’s be honest, a bit risky.. Before deciding on the hologram, we consulted with various groups inside and outside the police, as well as the family, to make it as respectful as possible,” explains Benjamin van Gogh, spokesman for the research team.
This visualization was created using 3D techniquesThis is something new for the Amsterdam Police, although it may not be the last time they use it, if they manage to solve this traumatic case. The team hopes that the hologram of Betty will capture people’s attention and motivate them. with information to contact the police, in exchange for compensation of 30,000 euros for the lead that solves the riddle.
“Betty was murdered in one of the busiest areas of Amsterdam, perhaps of all Netherlands. It is hard to believe that no one has seen or heard anything strange. Someone might even have heard about the case elsewhere, given that in this neighborhood there are people from all over the world. It’s been more than 15 years, and we hope that those who might have been afraid will now dare to speak up,” added Anne Dreijer-Heemskerk of the cold case team.
Around the case there are many unknowns and the investigators want to contact the clients that Betty received the night of the murder, something that was already tried in the days following the crime, but no cooperation was achieved. Now they hope to appeal to the feelings of those who can do their bit to solve the case. “We believe the hologram can create an emotional connection that prompts someone to talk,” Van Gogh said. Solving this crime would mean “bringing justice to Betty, to her family members and to the case.”he admitted. The hologram will be visible until November 16.