Thalia Driessens (37) will appear in court next week for killing adoptive mother

The jury that will decide the fate of Thalia Driessens (37) was appointed at the Leuven Assize Court on Friday. Starting next Wednesday, the woman will be tried for the murder of her adoptive mother Brigitte Vanaudenaeren (68) in July 2023 at her home in Steenokkerzeel.
Kim Aerts 18-04-25, 16:55 Last update: 17:13
In the night of 11 to 12 July 2023, Brigitte was killed at home along the Tervuursesteenweg in Steenokkerzeel. She had lived there for four decades and no one could say a bad word about her. However, that evening things got out of hand between Brigitte and her adopted daughter. The local police had to go to the scene twice, but when the officers had to return, Brigitte was already dead in the living room. She died of suffocation. The victim worked for the municipality of Zaventem for many years in the Tax Department.
Victim Brigitte Vanaudenaeren. © Marc Baert / rv
Accused Thalia Driessens, born in San Salvador, will be tried in the Leuven Assize Court from Wednesday 23 April for the manslaughter of her mother. Seven men and five women were drawn to judge her guilt. The public prosecutor is represented by Attorney General Marcel Verbelen. Driessens is assisted by Wouter Van Driessche and Jan Donkers. The chair of the Assize Court is Veerle Aelbrecht.