Duncan Hoorn Weeps As Murdered Wife Chantel’s Final Memories Are Shown In Court

Convicted murderer Duncan Hoorn broke down in tears as a video montage celebrating his late wife, Chantel Pasqualle-Hoorn, was shown during emotionally charged sentencing proceedings.

The montage showed Chantel laughing and enjoying happier moments before her family told the Western Cape High Court, sitting in the Wynberg Regional Court, about the impact her death had left on those closest to her. Hoorn’s sentencing was ultimately postponed to 7 October.

The postponement followed an indication from defence advocate Gilbert Jose that he intended to call a psychiatrist who had reportedly treated Hoorn since 2024.

Duncan Hoorn Sentencing Postponed In Chantel Pasqualle-Hoorn Murder

Acting Judge Amanda van Leeve questioned why the psychiatrist had only been brought to the court's attention at this stage of the proceedings.

Jose told the court that Hoorn had informed him about the psychiatrist that morning. The development left Chantel’s family frustrated, with relatives questioning why Hoorn appeared to have additional avenues available after his murder conviction.

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Despite their concerns, the family said they would continue to place their trust in the legal process.

Hoorn was convicted of murdering Chantel but was acquitted of kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice.

Chantel Pasqualle-Hoorn’s Son Speaks About Violence And Loss

During the victim impact proceedings, Chantel’s son Xavier Pasqualle spoke about the guilt he has carried over not speaking out sooner about violence he said he had witnessed against his mother.

“I feel guilty to this day, because I always think that if I spoke up earlier, things would have been different, and my mom would still be here with us,” Xavier told the court.

He said the violence was not limited to the incident that eventually resulted in Chantel’s death, describing it as part of a wider history that he had personally witnessed.

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“The day that everything happened, that was an isolated incident. There is a history of violence. I witnessed it.

“It wasn’t that we didn’t discuss it, but maybe if I told them how serious it was, then maybe we wouldn’t have a case like this.”

Xavier described his mother as his best friend, protector, safe place and biggest supporter. He said the month Chantel spent in hospital before her death in July 2024 was the most difficult period of his life.

“Hearing those words felt like losing her before she was gone,” he said, recalling doctors telling the family that her injuries were too severe for her to recover.

“Seeing my strong and vibrant mother lying unresponsive in a hospital bed broke my heart every day.”

Chantel’s Family Describes Devastation After Her Death

Chantel’s sister Veronica Allen told the court that she struggled to accept that her sister would not recover.

Allen said she researched traumatic brain injuries and possible treatment options because she continued to hope Chantel would survive.

“It took me a while to realise she wasn't coming back,” she said.

Another sister, Ramona Hendricks, directly addressed Hoorn while describing the losses his conviction had left in the family.

“You took away a mother from her son. You took away the daughter my mother relied upon every day. You took away the sister who was the heart of our family.”

“And for that, I don’t think I will ever be able to forgive you.”

The proceedings ended with the court watching footage of Chantel “in her element”. Hoorn cried as the montage showed moments from the life of the woman he had been convicted of murdering.

His sentencing has been postponed until 7 October.