The victims of the double murder at Otta appear to be random, says Anders Bjørnson, the accused’s defense attorney.
Updated just now
–
The defense counsel highlights the accused’s state of health.
– This is about mental health, and who was the victim here depends on chance, says the defender to VG.
Earlier, Bjørnson told NRK that the incident was “a result of mental health and pure coincidence”.
According to Bjørnson, the man in his 40s who is charged with the murders has a long history in the healthcare system.
– As far as I have an overview, there is a history with mental health care for at least 25 years – and part of that history concerns several admissions, Bjørnsen tells VG.
In questioning
The defense attorney does not currently wish to comment on further details of the client’s health history.
It was Monday night that married couple Herma (83) and Odd Gjetsund (88) was found stabbed and killed in his home near the center of Otta in Sel municipality.
The accused was a neighbor of the married couple. He reported himself to the police and was arrested near the scene.
The state’s health inspectorate was notified after the murder.
On Tuesday, the man accused of double murder was in his first police interview about the double murder at Otta.
– What does he say about the reason for the murders?
– The answer to that is probably health-related, replies the defender.
In custody
The police have requested a forensic psychiatric assessment of the accused. It is not known how the accused responds to the question of guilt.
The man has no previous criminal convictions. But the police have previously been in contact with him on three occasions – once in 2005 and twice in 2006.
The accused is now in custody.
The police have previously asked for tips from the audience in the case.
–
