Mother released from custody in infant murder case in Vuosaar, Helsinki

A mother suspected of murdering her infant in Vuosaar, Helsinki, has been released from custody by a court order. The Helsinki District Court confirmed that the 40-year-old woman was set free last Thursday, August 8. She had been detained since mid-June on suspicion of killing her eight-month-old baby.

According to the woman’s legal representative, Maija Heinonen, the decision is based on a ruling from the Supreme Court this year, which stated that the severity of a crime alone is insufficient grounds to justify continued detention. This ruling applies even to serious offenses that carry sentences of more than two years.

Heinonen pointed out that there must be a clear risk that the suspect could obstruct the investigation, flee, or continue engaging in dangerous behavior for detention to be warranted. In this case, the court found no such risks, despite the serious allegations.

The Helsinki police, however, have raised concerns that the suspect may attempt to leave the country. They believe there is a possibility that she would evade the ongoing legal proceedings and future sentencing due to her dual nationality and family connections in another country. Crime Commissioner Tuomas Lindholm emphasized the highest interest in solving the case, given the murder allegations.

The police are nearing the completion of their preliminary investigation, and while the woman has provided her account of the events, she has not been ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. Since the suspect has been released from pre-trial detention, the deadline for prosecution has lapsed.