Norwegian police conducted a crime scene reconstruction with Stig Millehaugen, the man accused of killing fellow Nokas robbery participant Metkel Betew. The dramatic reconstruction took place Thursday morning in Godliaskogen forest on Oslo's east side.
Millehaugen arrived at the forest around 10:00 AM in prisoner transport. He wore handcuffs and a gray T-shirt marked with the number 1. Police had equipped his shirt with a microphone to record his statements. A plainclothes officer accompanied him wearing a similar shirt marked with number 2, apparently playing the role of victim Betew during the reconstruction.
The reconstruction lasted nearly one hour. Police had secured the area hours earlier, with multiple marked and unmarked vehicles arriving starting around 8:30 AM. K-9 units searched the forest where Betew's body was discovered on April 27.
Christian Hatlo, the police attorney leading the murder investigation, confirmed the reconstruction went according to plan. He stated that Millehaugen continues to acknowledge being at the scene but denies any involvement in the actual killing. The suspect claims he witnessed the event but didn't participate.
This case represents a rare instance where participants in Norway's most famous robbery have turned against each other. The 2004 Nokas cash depot robbery in Stavanger remains one of the country's most notorious crimes, netting approximately 57 million Norwegian kroner and resulting in a police officer's death.
The ongoing investigation suggests police believe multiple perpetrators were involved in Betew's killing. Authorities continue searching for additional suspects while Millehaugen maintains his innocence through written statements and multiple interrogations.
Police have described Betew's killing as particularly brutal and targeted. According to investigation details, the victim suffered gunshot wounds and cutting injuries to his neck. His body was discovered in the evening of April 27, with Millehaugen arrested three days later.
Defense attorney Morten Furuholmen emphasized that the reconstruction doesn't indicate any admission of guilt. The legal team appears to be building a case around Millehaugen's claim of being a witness rather than a perpetrator.
This development highlights the complex aftermath of major criminal enterprises in Norway. Even decades later, participants in high-profile crimes can face violent consequences from former associates. The case also demonstrates Norwegian police's meticulous approach to building murder cases, using reconstructions to verify suspect statements.
The reconstruction method used here is standard in Norwegian criminal investigations but rarely receives public attention. By testing Millehaugen's version of events against the physical environment, investigators can identify inconsistencies or confirm details that might strengthen their case.
Norwegian legal experts note that crime scene reconstructions typically occur later in investigations when police have substantial evidence but need to verify specific claims. The fact that police conducted this reconstruction nearly eight months after the killing suggests they're building a comprehensive case rather than relying solely on witness testimony.