A man facing charges for vandalism linked to the murder of Jonas Aarseth Henriksen is refusing to attend his own trial. This refusal is creating significant delays in a case that has gripped Norway. The man, from Hønefoss, is charged with seven counts of vandalism, including tagging "Tyster Jonas" and damaging cars. Police allege he also participated in intimidating Henriksen by appearing outside his Tønsberg apartment on multiple occasions before the murder.
Prosecutors confirm they have not yet decided whether to charge him with involvement in the murder itself. This potential murder charge is the stated reason for his refusal to appear in court. Police Inspector Odd Kostveit expressed frustration at the situation. He said it is unfortunate that the case's progress can be delayed in this manner. The court has asked both sides to argue whether the vandalism trial should proceed in his absence.
Police oppose any postponement. They want a verdict now so the victims in the vandalism case can get closure. The man's location is currently unknown. He could be in Norway or abroad. If he does not appear, police have nowhere to start looking for him. His defense lawyer, Stian Mæland, declined to comment on the case's specifics.
This individual's name surfaced repeatedly during the main murder trial. Witnesses stated he purchased the silencer used in the shooting. The man convicted of ordering the murder, referred to as "Bestilleren," claimed the Hønefoss man took initiative in the vandalism. He also alleged the man was offered 25,000 kroner to shoot Henriksen in the knee and initially accepted while drunk before withdrawing. The accused has never been formally questioned by police about the murder period. This means he may possess crucial information about the events leading to Henriksen's death.
Beyond the vandalism, he faces separate charges for threatening a woman, fraud, reckless driving, and sending severe threats to the local newspaper Ringerikes Blad. The threats followed the paper reporting he was internationally wanted. Four individuals have already been convicted for the murder or complicity. Their sentences were milder than prosecutors demanded, leading the National Prosecutor to appeal. That appeal will be heard in the Borgarting Court of Appeal.
The victim's family hopes the man will reconsider and appear in court. Their legal aid, Marijana Lozic, stated his testimony is vital. She emphasized he clearly had a role in the campaign against Jonas. Any information illuminating what Henriksen endured before his death is of great interest. All four defense lawyers from the murder trial have indicated they will monitor this separate vandalism case. The standoff highlights a tension in the Norwegian legal system between the rights of the accused and the court's need to proceed. It also leaves a shadow over a case where the full picture of premeditation and harassment remains incomplete. The family's search for answers and a sense of justice continues to be hampered by this legal impasse.