A man in his thirties faces murder charges for the death of 20-year-old Linea Bjørnnes. He admits being present during the fatal altercation but denies criminal guilt.
"I have difficulty understanding my thoughts and feelings that evening," the accused stated in court.
The incident occurred on December 17 last year when Bjørnnes was found lifeless in her Stjørdal apartment. She died the following morning at St. Olavs Hospital.
According to charges, the defendant allegedly choked Bjørnnes by placing toilet paper in her throat and covering her mouth with a scarf.
"I wanted to control the unrest in the situation," he explained, acknowledging he filled her mouth with toilet paper but claimed awareness not to push it down her throat.
Earlier that same day, Bjørnnes had called police after another argument, resulting in a 24-hour restraining order against the man. He told court he initially accepted the order but later returned to her home over concerns.
Defense attorney Kjell Myrland represents the accused, who maintains his innocence despite admitting to threatening Bjørnnes about amphetamines.
"They were threats I never intended to carry out," he stated. "I don't know what came over me."
Court heard emergency recordings where Bjørnnes' neighbor reported finding her without pulse and performing CPR until ambulance arrival.
Police arrested the now-accused man at the scene. Blood tests revealed multiple substances in his system.
"There's no doubt he was heavily intoxicated during arrest," prosecutor Kaia Strandjord confirmed.
Both individuals had substance abuse histories and met through drug circles when Bjørnnes moved into municipal housing in Stjørdal, a central Norwegian town.
The case centers on criminal responsibility, with Strandjord noting mere psychosis diagnosis doesn't establish incapacity without serious reality perception failure.
The trial, originally scheduled for May, was delayed for additional evaluations. Court-appointed psychiatrist Kåre Nonstad will present assessment later.
Records show 19 prior cases involving the accused, mainly concerning violence and restraining order violations against Bjørnnes.
The legal system appears strained by repeated offenses that ultimately culminated in tragedy, raising questions about protection effectiveness for vulnerable individuals.