Holographic Justice: Uncovering the Truth Behind a Cold-Case Murder in Amsterdam

In a groundbreaking effort to solve a cold case that has stumped Dutch authorities for years, a hologram of Bernadette "Betty" Szabo, a 19-year-old sex worker murdered in Amsterdam in 2009, is haunting the city's infamous red-light district. The 3D digital image, designed to shock and engage passersby, portrays Szabo in faded denim hotpants and a leopard-print bra, breathlessly writing "help" on a glass window. This innovative approach comes as police hope to rekindle public interest and jog the memories of potential witnesses.

Szabo’s horrific murder took place shortly after she gave birth, leaving her child to be raised in foster care, a haunting fact that drives detectives in their quest for justice. The young woman who had moved to Amsterdam at 18 was found dead in her brothel, and despite extensive investigations, her killer has never been apprehended. With a monetary reward of €30,000 chasing a lead, authorities are appealing to anyone who visited Amsterdam during that period to think back on their experiences.

As Amsterdam considers relocating its brothels outside the city, concerns rise amongst sex workers regarding their safety and visibility. The hologram brings a glaring spotlight on the drivers behind the murder and the inherent dangers of that line of work, serving as both a reminder and a plea for justice to be served. The digital facsimile of Szabo remains an eerie yet potent symbol of the unresolved struggles faced by many sex workers, as well as a call for society to acknowledge and protect their lives.