RELEASED: Viggo Kristiansen is released after 21 years in prison. Photo: Fridtjof Nygaard, VG
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KRISTIANSAND (VG) The people of Kristiansand have taken back Baneheia, but it is a shock to some that Viggo Kristiansen will once again roam free in society.
Updated less than 30 minutes ago
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In the various Stampe ponds in the urban field Baneheia in Kristiansand, the last day of May is used for swimming and sunbathing in great weather.
A neighbor tells VG that it took a long time before the activity returned to normal, after the double murder of Stine Sofie Sørstrønen (8 years) and Lena Sløgedal Paulsen (10 years) in May 2000.
With Monday’s decision from the Oslo Public Prosecutor’s Office, soon both those convicted of the horrific crime will be out in the community again. After 21 years in prison, Viggo Kristiansen (42) plans to move back to Agder, when he is reportedly released from Ila prison in Bærum shortly.
That decision falls several of the locals heavy on the chest.
—-SHOCKED: Erling Johansen was shocked by Monday’s news. Photo: Mattis Sandblad, VG
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– Recurring theme
By the sea in the center, VG meets Erling Johansen (57). He is one of those who is willing to talk about the topic of open microphone. Several VG meetings describe the topic as inflamed, two decades after the shocking crime.
– It is a recurring theme. I think some are quite surprised and almost shocked today, and so am I. Because it comes so suddenly. It is the principle that the judicial system must take care of, but that he is now going out without being prepared for it, I think is surprising, says Johansen.
—-BACK: A neighbor tells VG that the killings marked the place for several years. After two decades, the inhabitants have taken Baneheia back. Photo: Mattis Sandblad, VG
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Waiting for the Attorney General
In parallel with his release, ten police investigators are investigating the Baneheia evidence before the Attorney General will assess whether there will be a new round in court for Viggo Kristiansen, or whether an acquittal will be handed down without it.
– What do you think about the fact that there may be a new round in court?
– It has been in the water crust that this is going up again. I think first and foremost of the relatives after what happened. Such an abrupt release as it is planned for now, there are many who are simply shocked, says Erling Johansen.
– Is this upsetting for a local community?
– I want to say that. At the same time, he has been in prison for 21 years, so it will probably happen once anyway. But I think this is quite expensive and shocking.
—-KNOWLEDGE: Like many others in Kristiansand, Tor Helge Stensland knows both the families of the victims and the convicts after the Baneheia case. Photo: Mattis Sandblad, VG
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– Has been difficult
In Kristiansand’s main street, Markens, VG meets Tor Helge Stensland (72). Like others in the local community, he knows both the families of the victims Stine Sofie Sørstrønen and Lena Sløgedal Paulsen and of the convicted murderer Viggo Kristiansen.
– It is the legal that must count, then we can only accept what they find out. He’s been in jail for 21 years now. But it has been difficult, Stensland states.
– What do you think about the fact that there may be a resumption of the entire trial against Kristiansen this autumn?
– It is upsetting for Kristiansand. There are many who have a relationship with Baneheia. When it happened, it was completely quiet and calm up there, but now life has returned. Then we can only believe that the judicial system is doing the right thing.
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