Dozens of people gathered in Amsterdam yesterday to mourn the loss of 21-year-old Jimmy Schepers, who was stabbed to death at Solid Grooves Amsterdam in the city’s Westpoort region on Sunday night.
Two other men were injured in the stabbing at the event, which was co-branded by UK tech-house label Solid Grooves, but operationally independent from the label. Both of the men are now in stable condition.
The legal investigation into the incident is still ongoing and Amsterdam Police have arrested three suspects in connection to the stabbing, two of which were arrested on festival grounds.
Friends and family came together to commemorate Schepers’ life with flowers and candles, while his family now calls for help from the internet in an effort to use social media images of the incident to help find Schepers’ killer.
Witness reports indicate that a large brawl broke out near the main stage just after 9PM local time, where one or more weapons were drawn. All three victims were immediately rushed to the hospital.
The method by which the knife got into the event is still being investigated. Attendees also reported that security was lax and that not everyone’s bags and pockets were searched.
Though the party continued after the incident, many attendees decided to go home, citing a grim atmosphere.
A spokesperson for organizer Apenkooi Events told Dutch news outlet Algemeen Dagblad that the decision to continue the event was in an effort not to incite panic amongst visitors.
Translated from Dutch, the spokesperson said:
“It is a deeply tragic incident, we chose to adjust the volume of the music and the DJs were asked not to play exciting music anymore. If we had cleared the party immediately, there was a chance that panic would break out. We played quiet music until the end and everyone went home quietly.”
Solid Grooves, which has produced parties in Ibiza, Barcelona, and the UK, has posted a statement on their website that reads:
“We were horrified to learn of the incident that took place during our event. We are in the dark about the how and the why, and the police are the right party to investigate and answer questions about this. Our thoughts go out to the victims, the relatives, and the witnesses of this intense incident, which you hope you never have to experience.”
EDM Maniac also sends our thoughts and support to the victims, their friends and family, as well as other members of the dance music community who were impacted by this tragic event.
We encourage anyone with relevant information to contact the appropriate authorities.
Royalty-free stock image from Pexels.com.
