Swedish police: Contract killing theory is central to Norrköping investigation
Two teenagers are suspected of murder in both Oslo and Norrköping. Swedish police are investigating whether both shootings were contract killings.
Two murders, two countries – and the theory of contract violence
On Thursday evening just before 9 pm, a man in his twenties was shot in the residential area of Marielund in Norrköping, in eastern Sweden. It was Walpurgis Night, and in a park near the crime scene, many people had gathered – and heard the shots. The man was taken to hospital, but was declared dead on Sunday morning.
According to vg.no, two people were arrested outdoors in Norrköping within one hour of the shooting. Norwegian police have stated that they are two teenagers between 15 and 18 years old. SVT reports that they are boys aged 15 and 16, both with no previous criminal convictions. After the man died, the charges against them were changed to murder and serious violation of weapons legislation.
The same two teenagers are also suspected of shooting and killing a Norwegian 22-year-old at a football pitch at Økern in Oslo – four days before the murder in Norrköping. According to VG's information, the victim was shot in the head.
Oslo police strengthen contract killing hypothesis
At a press conference on Saturday, Frode Larsen, head of the joint unit for intelligence and investigation at Oslo police, stated that the shooting at Økern is being investigated as a possible contract killing.
"We have strengthened the hypothesis that the murder was a contract killing, and we are investigating the case with substantial resources," Larsen said.
Swedish police confirm to VG that the same theory is being investigated in connection with the murder in Norrköping.
"This is central to our investigation to examine, and possibly which other parties can be linked to this. All of this will be central," said Olle Älveroth, press contact at the East region police in Sweden.
Älveroth also confirms that police are looking at possible links to criminal networks, but does not wish to go into detail about this. According to police, such contract killings are often advertised online by a recruiter, on behalf of one or more principals.
Connection to motorcycle club environment and previous charges
The 22-year-old man who was killed at Økern was among several who were charged after a shooting incident against a car at Rommen in Oslo in the summer last year. That case is linked to the motorcycle club Comanches, formerly known as the prohibited club Satudarah. The man's then defence counsel, Thor Bache-Wiig, has stated that the deceased did not admit guilt.
Oslo police are also investigating whether the Økern murder may be connected to a shooting incident against a house at Skjetten in Lillestrøm a few days earlier – a case in which eight people are charged.
To be brought before court for remand on Monday
The prosecution stated on Sunday that the two Swedish teenagers will be interviewed during the day. It has been announced that they will be brought before Norrköping District Court on Monday for remand in custody.
Source: Google News NO — Crime