Investigation into school shooting in Viertola reveals premeditated act and bullying motive

The preliminary investigation into the school shooting in Viertola is nearing completion. The sequence of events is now clear to the police, according to Chief Investigator Marko Särkkä. Evidence collected during the investigation indicates that the act was premeditated, Särkkä says. The police have also looked into the motive of the suspected perpetrator, revealing that bullying played a significant role. The boy suspected of the shooting has not been questioned by the police since the summer.

Särkkä reports that one of the victims, a girl injured in the shooting, remains hospitalized, and the police have been unable to interview her during the investigation. “We have not received any new information about her condition,” Särkkä added.

The investigation is expected to be completed by the end of August or the beginning of September. The Eastern Uusimaa police plan to release a public version of the investigation materials. “Once everything is finalized and the last checks are completed, we will provide further information,” Särkkä noted.

The school shooting occurred in early April in Vantaa, where a 12-year-old boy is the main suspect. Charges being considered include murder, two counts of attempted murder, firearms offenses, and preparation for a severe crime against life or health. A close relative of the 12-year-old is also suspected of firearms-related offenses. The incident resulted in the death of a boy and serious injuries to two girls, one of whom has since been discharged from the hospital.

As the suspected perpetrator is under 15 years old, the case will not proceed to the prosecutor for consideration of charges.