When asked if the police now feel confident about what was the motive for the three murders and suicides in Torpo in March, police attorney Ann Iren Svane Mathiassen replies:
– When it comes to the reason why it could happen, and why it happened, we believe that we are starting to get a clear idea about it, yes.
Police attorney Ann Iren Svane Mathiassen.
Photo: Caroline Utti / NRK
On Saturday 23 March, four people were found dead in the village of Torpo in Hallingdal. A 59-year-old man was charged with the murder of his wife and their two children.
Before and after Easter, the police worked on technical investigations at the crime scene as well as tactical investigations.
The house in Torpo where the four were found dead is still cordoned off.
The reason is that the police are still waiting for test results, writes Hallingdølen.
There may be answers in the tests that require new investigations in the house. The police believe they can give the bereaved answers as to why the accused man killed his wife and two children before taking his own life.
Delays in toxicology and autopsy reports
The answers to the toxicology report were said to be ready three weeks ago. They have not yet arrived.
– Do you know anything about the reason for the delay?
– No, I don’t know the reason why we haven’t received the answers yet. But we know that this takes time, and that there may be delays, apart from the fact that I am familiar with the specifics of what is here, answers Mathiassen.
The autopsy report will likely take much longer.
– Is this a problem for the police, that it takes so long?
– In some cases it can certainly be problematic. Everyone wants quick answers. But it is not always that we can, and we are used to that.
The police have previously stated that the answers to the tests are important. But Mathiassen emphasizes that the wait has in no way affected the investigation.
– It has been going on in parallel with us waiting for the answers. There are still a number of reports and investigations to be completed before we can say that the investigation is finished.
– Extensive work
Mathiassen says that the police are relatively confident about what actually happened in the case.
– As safe as we can be, without anyone being present, she adds.
This includes, among other things, mobile activity, digital traces from computers and movements on bank accounts, to film from video cameras in shops and petrol stations.
– Everything that is reviewed must be documented, it is extensive work, and that is what we have been doing recently.
– Will you be able to give good answers to the relatives?
– Our wish and our aim is to give the next of kin answers, and we believe that we will do that, concludes Ann Iren Svane Mathiassen.
