Bio

Karst Roeland Tates was born on 6 March 1971 in Zevenaar in the eastern Netherlands. He was a Dutch national. In the 1990s he lived in Apeldoorn, where he completed hotel school training.

Around 2005 Tates moved to Velp and rented an apartment there until 2007. From 2007 to 2009 he lived in Huissen, a small town in the eastern Netherlands.

His parents described him as kind and attentive. Friends and acquaintances also described him as kind.

Tates had periods of financial trouble in the past. He had recently found work. Other reports say he lost a job as a night-shift security guard earlier in the year and had been facing eviction. Those reports also say he told a neighbour he was depressed and had been out of contact with family for months.

Police records show he had no criminal record. Police also reported no prior history of psychological problems, according to the available information. On the day before his mother’s birthday he called to congratulate her and said he was looking forward to her birthday party on 3 May.

Murder Story

On 30 April 2009 in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands, a man drove his car at high speed into a parade on Koninginnedag, the Queen's Day. The parade included Queen Beatrix, Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and other members of the Dutch royal family. The car crashed through people who were watching the parade, missed the royal bus, and slammed into De Naald, a royal monument.

The crash caused eight deaths, including the driver, and several people were injured. Seconds after the attack, Red Cross and police first responders gave life-saving treatment. Many victims were taken to nearby hospitals. The event was shown live on television.

Police identified the driver as 38-year-old Karst Roeland Tates. He was treated by the fire brigade and police and taken to a hospital. While bleeding in his car, he told police he had intended to hit the royal family. He died on 1 May from brain injuries. An autopsy showed no alcohol in his blood.

The official investigation found the attack was premeditated but not well prepared. Investigators said the people killed were innocent bystanders. They reported that Tates had scouted the area beforehand but made no attempt to avoid people when he returned. The public prosecutor concluded he acted alone and said his actions could never be completely explained.

After the attack, Queen Beatrix addressed the nation in a video message. Many public events in Apeldoorn and elsewhere were cancelled or scaled down. Flags were lowered to half-mast on government buildings.

A memorial service was held on 8 May in Apeldoorn. On 29 April 2010, a monument for the victims was unveiled near the place where the car came to rest.