A man in his 40s has been sentenced to 15 and a half years in prison for the murder of Renate Strand Normann (42) on Varaldsøy last year, Bergens Tidende writes.
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– We are disappointed with the length of the sentence, and hoped that the sentence would be significantly less. We will review the verdict with my client, and will consider appealing, says defense lawyer Jørgen Riple to Bergens Tidende Thursday.
Riple tells the newspaper that the man became aware of the verdict on Thursday.
Renate Strand Normann (42) was killed outdoors on 22 April 2021 on small Varaldsøy in the Hardangerfjord.
The man in his 40s has denied criminal guilt for the murderbut admits to having beaten her in what he believes was self-defense.
The man is also charged with violence and threats against a former cohabitant, for which he has also denied criminal guilt.
The autopsy report has established that Normann died of extensive head injuries as a result of blunt force.
The motive for the alleged murder has appeared unclear.
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Heard howls
On April 22 last year, Normann is said to have called a friend about an ongoing quarrel with the neighbor.
The neighbor must have contacted Normann during the telephone conversation. The friend Normann spoke to on the phone, explained in court that he meant to hear that she asked someone if they “should kill her with a sledgehammer”.
– I hear riots and a howl, a scream from Renate, and after that I just do not know what was. I think I’m trying to get in touch, to get an answer from Renate, he explained in court.
He does not get that.
The neighbor was arrested and charged with murder the same day Normann was found.
Found on walkway
It must have been a random passer-by who found Normann lying on a walkway, and the man was present while an attempt was made to carry out life-saving first aid.
– The prosecution’s assessment is that she was standing and talking on the phone as she was hit in the head with a wooden stick, said public prosecutor Benedikte Høgseth during the prosecution’s introductory speech earlier this month.
In a strawberry field near the house, a 180 cm log was found in four parts that fit together. It is this police believe was used as a murder weapon.
The case is being updated!
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