Paul Parker, a criminal figure from Liverpool, was killed on June 1 in Heerhugowaard, Netherlands, after a confrontation in a garage where he was attempting to collect a debt. Parker, 52, died from a gunshot wound following an altercation during which he allegedly stabbed two men. Authorities reported that Parker had entered the business premises armed with a knife. He was shot by one of the individuals he is accused of stabbing.
Following the incident, armed police and a helicopter were dispatched to the scene. Two men, aged 44 and 65, who are believed to be the individuals Parker allegedly stabbed, were arrested after receiving treatment in a hospital.
Parker had been a suspect in the 2017 murders of Dutchman Pieter Hoovers, 54, and his 32-year-old Thai wife, Tae Kawepanya. The couple were killed in a gun attack in Amsterdam. Last year, Amsterdam police released CCTV footage of a British suspect and offered a reward for information, later identifying the suspect as Parker, according to Dutch media reports. A photograph reportedly shows Parker with Mr. Hoovers several years prior to the murders, suggesting a past acquaintance.
Pieter Hoovers, who had a background in martial arts, founded the record label Outland Records before selling the business and relocating to Thailand. He was in the Netherlands visiting when he and his partner were murdered in July 2017. A person claiming to be a friend of Mr. Hoovers posted online messages implicating Parker in the double murder.
Parker, who reportedly left the UK approximately 25 years ago, had a prior criminal record. He and his brother David were jailed in 1993 for their involvement in the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Phillip Green during a botched drug deal in Liverpool. Both brothers received five-year sentences for their roles in the incident.
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed that they are supporting the family of a British national who died in the Netherlands and are in contact with local authorities.