The man accused of murdering a couple in Neskaupstaður last summer has been deemed criminally insane, as he was not in control of his actions due to a severe mental illness, reports RÚV. Instead of a prison sentence, he will be placed under secure supervision at an appropriate institution.
The verdict was delivered on Monday and made public today.
Spanning 70 pages, the ruling provides a detailed account of the evidence and medical assessment of the man’s mental health.
According to the judgment, the couple died from multiple blows to the head with a splitting hammer. The weapon was later found in their car, which the perpetrator had driven to Reykjavík, where he was arrested. DNA from the victims was discovered on the hammer, and their blood was found on the man’s clothing.
Court ruling
The case was heard by a panel comprising two judges and a forensic psychiatrist as an expert co-judge. The judges ruled that there was no reasonable doubt the accused had carried out the killings, violently beating the couple to death. However, there was no indication that he had planned the attack in advance.
A detailed assessment of the man’s mental state revealed that he had struggled with severe mental health issues for years. His condition had worsened significantly from 2015 onwards, and by 2023, his mental health had deteriorated beyond control.
A court-appointed psychiatrist testified that, although the perpetrator did not perceive himself as unwell, he displayed clear symptoms of a severe psychotic disorder. At the time of the attack, he was entirely incapable of controlling his actions.
The man suffers from a severe psychotic disorder and deeply entrenched delusions. He is considered a danger to others, and long-term treatment at a forensic psychiatric facility, along with strict supervision, is deemed essential.
He has been ordered to pay a total of 31 million ISK in compensation to the victims’ families. His legal defence and court costs will be covered by the state.
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