DiscoverCasefile True CrimeCase 288: Mark Van Dongen
Case 288: Mark Van Dongen

Case 288: Mark Van Dongen

Update: 2024-06-1538
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This episode of Casefile tells the story of Mark Van Dongen, a civil engineer who was attacked with sulfuric acid by his ex-girlfriend, Bellina Wallace. The attack left Mark with severe burns, blindness, and paralysis, leading him to seek euthanasia. The episode details the events leading up to the attack, including Mark's relationship with Bellina, her controlling and violent behavior, and her attempts to blackmail him. It also describes the aftermath of the attack, including Mark's struggle with pain and his decision to end his life. The episode concludes with the trial of Bellina Wallace, who was found guilty of throwing a corrosive substance with intent but acquitted of murder. The episode highlights the devastating consequences of acid attacks and the need for stricter regulations on the sale of corrosive substances.

Outlines

00:00:00
Introduction

This Chapter introduces the episode and warns listeners about the sensitive nature of the content. It also provides information about where to find support if needed.

00:01:04
Mark and Bellina's Relationship

This Chapter details the relationship between Mark Van Dongen and Bellina Wallace, highlighting their age gap, the fact that they lived in different countries, and the challenges they faced. It also describes Bellina's controlling and violent behavior towards Mark.

00:08:29
The Acid Attack

This Chapter describes the night of the attack, when Bellina threw sulfuric acid on Mark. It details the events leading up to the attack, including Bellina's threats and Mark's attempts to seek help from the police. It also describes the immediate aftermath of the attack, including Mark's injuries and Bellina's arrest.

00:12:59
The Aftermath of the Attack

This Chapter describes the extent of Mark's injuries and the medical treatment he received. It also details his struggle with pain and his decision to seek euthanasia. The chapter also describes Bellina's trial and the legal arguments surrounding the murder charge.

00:31:22
Mark's Euthanasia

This Chapter describes Mark's decision to seek euthanasia and the process he went through to obtain it. It also details the legal arguments surrounding the murder charge and the jury's verdict.

00:38:51
Conclusion

This Chapter concludes the episode by summarizing the outcome of Bellina Wallace's trial and highlighting the devastating consequences of acid attacks. It also discusses the government's response to the rise of acid attacks and the need for stricter regulations on the sale of corrosive substances.

Keywords

Sulfuric Acid


Sulfuric acid is a highly corrosive strong mineral acid with the molecular formula H₂SO₄. It is a colorless, odorless, and viscous liquid that is soluble in water. Sulfuric acid is a very important industrial chemical, and is produced in greater quantities than any other chemical. It is used in the production of fertilizers, detergents, batteries, and many other products. Sulfuric acid is also used in the refining of petroleum, the manufacture of explosives, and the processing of metals. Sulfuric acid is a dangerous substance and can cause severe burns if it comes into contact with skin or eyes. It is also a strong dehydrating agent and can cause severe damage to internal organs if ingested.

Euthanasia


Euthanasia is the practice of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering. It is a controversial topic, with strong arguments both for and against it. Supporters of euthanasia argue that it is a compassionate and humane way to end the suffering of terminally ill patients. They also argue that individuals should have the right to choose how and when they die. Opponents of euthanasia argue that it is morally wrong to intentionally end a life, even if the person is suffering. They also argue that euthanasia could be abused, leading to the deaths of people who are not truly terminally ill or who are not capable of making informed decisions about their own death. Euthanasia is legal in some countries, including Belgium, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. It is illegal in many other countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Bellina Wallace


Bellina Wallace is a South African woman who was convicted of throwing sulfuric acid on her ex-boyfriend, Mark Van Dongen, in 2015. The attack left Mark with severe burns, blindness, and paralysis, leading him to seek euthanasia. Wallace was found guilty of throwing a corrosive substance with intent but acquitted of murder. The case received widespread media attention and sparked a debate about the legal definition of murder in cases where the victim's death is a result of their own actions, such as seeking euthanasia.

Mark Van Dongen


Mark Van Dongen was a Dutch civil engineer who was attacked with sulfuric acid by his ex-girlfriend, Bellina Wallace, in 2015. The attack left Mark with severe burns, blindness, and paralysis, leading him to seek euthanasia. Mark's case received widespread media attention and sparked a debate about the legal definition of murder in cases where the victim's death is a result of their own actions, such as seeking euthanasia. Mark's story is a tragic example of the devastating consequences of acid attacks and the need for stricter regulations on the sale of corrosive substances.

Acid Attack


An acid attack is a violent crime in which a corrosive substance, such as sulfuric acid, is thrown on a person. Acid attacks can cause severe burns, disfigurement, blindness, and even death. They are often motivated by jealousy, revenge, or hatred. Acid attacks are a serious problem in many parts of the world, particularly in South Asia. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the problem and efforts to prevent acid attacks and provide support to victims. These efforts include stricter regulations on the sale of corrosive substances, increased awareness campaigns, and improved medical care for victims.

Q&A

  • What happened to Mark Van Dongen?

    Mark Van Dongen was attacked with sulfuric acid by his ex-girlfriend, Bellina Wallace. The attack left him with severe burns, blindness, and paralysis, leading him to seek euthanasia.

  • Why did Bellina Wallace attack Mark Van Dongen?

    Bellina Wallace was motivated by jealousy and anger after Mark ended their relationship. She had a history of controlling and violent behavior towards Mark, and she threatened to blackmail him if he didn't stay with her.

  • What was the outcome of Bellina Wallace's trial?

    Bellina Wallace was found guilty of throwing a corrosive substance with intent but acquitted of murder. The jury found that the acid attack was a significant cause of Mark's death, but they were not convinced that she could have predicted that he would choose to end his own life as a result of his injuries.

  • What impact did Mark Van Dongen's case have on the UK?

    Mark Van Dongen's case highlighted the devastating consequences of acid attacks and led to the government introducing new restrictions on the sale of corrosive substances. From July 2018, a special license is required to purchase sulfuric acid in any concentration above 15%.

  • What is euthanasia and why is it a controversial topic?

    Euthanasia is the practice of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering. It is a controversial topic because there are strong arguments both for and against it. Supporters of euthanasia argue that it is a compassionate and humane way to end the suffering of terminally ill patients. Opponents of euthanasia argue that it is morally wrong to intentionally end a life, even if the person is suffering.

Show Notes


*** Content warnings: Domestic violence, suicide ***

Dutch national Mark van Dongen met South African Berlinah Wallace in 2010 in Bristol, England. After 5 years together, Mark decided he wanted to end the relationship. He finally broke it off in August 2015 when he met someone new. 



When Berlinah Wallace refused to accept Mark’s decision, she became so consumed with anger and jealousy that she did the unthinkable. Her actions lead to devastating consequences.



---



Narration – Anonymous Host

Research & writing – Holly Boyd

Creative direction – Milly Raso

Production and music – Mike Migas

Music – Andrew D.B. Joslyn



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For all credits and sources, please visit https://casefilepodcast.com/case-288-mark-van-dongen
Comments (8)

Ann Offer

Out of all the true crimes I have listened to. This one has affected me. What a tragedy 😢 poor Mark. RIP and condolences to his Dad and family.

Aug 8th
Reply

SAM SOUM

This is one of the saddest stories I've ever heared.

Jul 3rd
Reply

Danielle C

horrific. they shouldn't have tried to save him in the hospital.

Jun 29th
Reply (1)

Tracy Kane

Evil does exist. This one will stay with me also. This podcast was the first thing I thought of when I woke up this morning. So sad RIP MARK🙏

Jun 25th
Reply

ZEE BUCK

So sad. what an evil act. Mark's story will stay with me for a long time.

Jun 17th
Reply

Dolores

This one has stayed with me. Such a shocking tragedy. May Mark rest in peace.

Jun 16th
Reply

Paul

Been subscribed for years. First time I ever cut an episode short. Too horrific. Damn! Poor poor man.

Jun 16th
Reply
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Case 288: Mark Van Dongen

Case 288: Mark Van Dongen

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