Steinar Wangen has been charged with murder in Sweden for the death of a woman in Trollhättan in autumn 2024, allegedly using a pillow, according to Norwegian prosecutors.
Wangen denies criminal responsibility, his lawyer Gaute Nilsen confirmed to TV 2 and NRK, stating Wangen was informed of the charge yesterday and maintains his innocence.
The case stems from Wangen’s prior conviction in July 2024, when Søndre Østfold tingrett sentenced him to eight years in prison, with three years to serve unconditionally, for assisting suicide in the case of a Norwegian woman in Strömstad, Sweden.
Wangen told the court he helped the elderly woman end her life as part of his advocacy for legalizing assisted suicide, a position the court noted had overwhelmed his judgment while also putting him at risk of exploiting vulnerable individuals.
While awaiting appeal in that case, Wangen traveled to Sweden to assist another woman in ending her life, leading to his arrest by Swedish police in Strömstad in November 2024, immediately after an interview with TV 2’s «Norge bak fasaden».
Swedish authorities charged him with murder, and he is also under investigation for four additional cases of alleged encouragement of suicide.
Wangen has since been transferred to Norway, where Norwegian police have taken over the murder investigation.
NRK identifies Wangen by name and image, citing a justified public interest due to the gravity of his repeated serious criminal conduct, including a 1987 murder conviction.
Although the 1987 case is dated, NRK notes it remains part of the broader picture of his behavior, alongside his public advocacy for assisted suicide, frequent letters to the editor, television presenting roles, and volunteer work.
He previously received an award from the Association for the Right to a Dignified Death for his activism, which was later withdrawn.
Psychiatric evaluations from his 1987 trial indicated mild mental developmental delay, a diagnosis he has carried before and after that conviction.
By 2024, experts assessed his IQ as significantly below average but not indicative of developmental disability; both Norwegian and Swedish forensic psychiatrists found him criminally responsible.
NRK states it has spoken directly with Wangen, confronted him with the allegations, and observed his demeanor in court, though little is known about his full statements to police beyond his denial of guilt.
What is the legal basis for Wangen’s current charge?
He is charged with murder under Swedish law for allegedly killing a woman with a pillow in Trollhättan in autumn 2024, as detailed in the indictment from Norway’s Øst prosecutors.
Why does NRK identify Wangen by name despite his legal presumption of innocence?
>NRK asserts a justified public interest due to the seriousness and repetition of his alleged crimes, including a past murder conviction and ongoing pattern of behavior involving vulnerable individuals.