Denmark’s most disturbing recent homicide case has led to charges against four men for the murder of a 35-year-old man and an attempted murder of a 12-year-old girl in Søborg. The incident, which unfolded on Novembervej near Pliegårdsvej 21 on May 2, has shocked local residents and raised urgent questions about youth exposure to violent crime in Copenhagen’s suburbs.
A Child in the Line of Fire
According to the indictment from the Public Prosecutor’s Office at Københavns Vestegns Politi, the victim arrived at the scene in a car with his 12-year-old relative seated in the passenger seat. As he pulled up, a 27-year-old man approached and fired at least six shots through the open passenger window—directly past the child. The driver was struck multiple times and died at the scene. The girl, though unharmed physically, was present during the entire attack and witnessed the killing at close range.
Special prosecutor Cecilie Swartz Bak described the act as “an unusually brutal murder committed with a child in immediate firing range.” She confirmed that the prosecution will seek “very long prison sentences” for all four defendants.
Coordinated Attack, Multiple Roles
The charges outline a coordinated effort involving distinct roles. The 27-year-old is accused of pulling the trigger. A 24-year-old man, masked and armed with a pistol, arrived shortly after but left without firing. Prosecutors say he was part of the planned operation. A 26-year-old man faces charges for playing a leading and coordinating role in the planning phase. Finally, a 36-year-old is alleged to have served as the getaway driver.
All four suspects—aged 24 to 36—were swiftly apprehended in the weeks following the shooting. The gunman was taken into custody one week after the incident. The alleged driver was arrested on May 16, and the masked accomplice on May 27. Their identities remain protected under Danish law due to ongoing legal proceedings.
Rapid Police Response in Suburban Copenhagen
Københavns Vestegns Politi launched an intensive investigation immediately after the shooting. Authorities treated the case as high-priority, given both the brazen nature of the attack and the presence of a minor. Surveillance footage, witness statements, and vehicle tracking reportedly aided in the rapid identification of suspects.
Søborg, located in Gladsaxe Municipality on the western edge of Copenhagen, has seen sporadic gang-related violence in recent years. However, this case stands out for its direct endangerment of a child. Local community leaders expressed alarm, noting that such incidents erode public trust and create fear among families.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing Expectations
Under Danish law, murder carries a standard sentence of 12 years, but aggravated circumstances—such as premeditation, use of firearms, or harm to minors—can lead to life imprisonment. The prosecution’s emphasis on the child’s proximity to the gunfire suggests they will argue for maximum penalties.
The four men are scheduled to appear before the court in the coming months. Pre-trial detention has been maintained for all, citing flight risk and potential interference with witnesses. No trial date has been set publicly yet.
Community Reactions and Broader Concerns
Residents of Novembervej described the area as typically quiet, with families and elderly neighbors. “You don’t expect something like this here,” said one local who asked not to be named. “It’s terrifying to think a child had to see that.”
While Danish authorities avoid linking every violent incident to organized crime without evidence, the structured nature of this attack—multiple participants, clear roles, and a targeted victim—has prompted speculation about deeper criminal networks. Still, prosecutors have not officially labeled it a gang-related hit.
The case has reignited debates about gun violence in Denmark, a country with strict firearm laws but rising concerns over illegal weapons in urban areas. According to national crime statistics, shootings involving civilians have increased modestly since 2020, though Denmark remains far safer than many European peers.
What Happens Next for the Young Witness?
The 12-year-old girl is now under the care of social services. Danish child protection protocols ensure psychological support and legal safeguards for minors exposed to trauma. Her testimony will likely be recorded in advance and presented in court via video to minimize retraumatization—a standard practice in such cases.
Experts stress that children who witness extreme violence face long-term mental health risks, including PTSD, anxiety, and academic difficulties. Municipal social centers in Gladsaxe have reportedly allocated additional resources to support her and her family.
As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains not only on punishing the perpetrators but also on shielding the young survivor from further harm. The case underscores a grim reality: even in Denmark’s orderly suburbs, violence can erupt with little warning—and children are sometimes caught in the crossfire.
Will this tragedy prompt new measures to protect minors in high-risk neighborhoods? Or will it fade into the growing list of unsolved fears in communities already weary of urban violence? For now, Copenhagen waits—and watches.