Norwegian prosecutors demand a 13-year prison sentence for a man accused of killing his girlfriend in Drangedal. The 48-year-old defendant reported finding his partner dead last October but denies any involvement in her death.
Anette Marie Mikalsen, 54, was found dead in woodland near a river in Drangedal, Telemark on October 19 last year. Her partner called police to report discovering her body. He has consistently denied any responsibility for the killing.
During closing arguments at Nedre Telemark District Court on Friday, prosecutor Vibeke Gjøslien requested the 13-year sentence. Gjøslien stated police have proven the defendant is lying and that his explanation should be disregarded.
The man's defense lawyer, Marianne Darre-Næss, maintains his innocence and seeks acquittal on both murder and violence charges. She argues alternative scenarios involving an accident or another perpetrator remain unrefuted.
Drangedal is a rural municipality in southern Norway known for its forested landscapes and outdoor activities. The case has drawn local attention due to its violent nature in typically peaceful surroundings.
The court is expected to deliver its verdict in approximately two weeks. Norwegian murder convictions typically carry sentences between 8 and 21 years, making the 13-year request fall within standard sentencing ranges.
This case highlights the challenges prosecutors face when defendants maintain their innocence despite circumstantial evidence. The two-week wait for judgment will test both legal teams' arguments about what truly happened in those Norwegian woods.