A 48-year-old man pleaded not guilty to murdering his girlfriend as his trial began Thursday morning. The case is being heard at the Nedre Telemark District Court in southern Norway.
The defendant told police he discovered 54-year-old Anette Marie Mikalsen dead in a wooded area last year. He reported finding her body himself.
He also denies being violent toward the woman the day before her death. The trial is scheduled to continue through November 4.
Telemark is a rural county known for its forested landscapes and small communities. The case has drawn attention in the quiet region where violent crimes are relatively rare.
The defendant's decision to report the death himself while maintaining innocence presents a complex challenge for prosecutors. They must now build their case without a confession from the accused.