A 31-year-old man, identified as Jesse R, has confessed to beheading his mother with an axe in Hellevoetsluis. The confession was revealed by prosecutors in a Dordrecht court on Monday.

Jesse R. was apprehended on April 16 after he fled the scene in his mother’s car. Inside the vehicle, police discovered a bag containing the axe used in the crime and the victim’s head. The body was found at home by a friend after witnessing R. fleeing.

Prosecutors believe that R. was likely in a psychotic state at the time of the murder. He is scheduled for psychiatric evaluation at the Pieter Baan Centre, but the assessment is unlikely to start before November.

R.’s lawyer, Job Knoester, informed the court that his client had been in contact with mental health services for a long time. Knoester stated that R. is beginning to realize the gravity of his actions and finds them horrific.

The defense has requested the testimony of a mental health worker who interacted with R. shortly before the crime, as it could provide insight into his mental state at the time. R. had previously described himself as manic depressive on social media.

The next pro-forma hearing is scheduled for October 21. R. will remain in custody as the investigation proceeds.