Charges filed against 18-year-old man for murder of 15-year-old girl in Finland

An 18-year-old man is facing charges for the murder of a 15-year-old girl, aggravated sexual assault, and possession of an image depicting a child in a sexual manner. Special prosecutor Leena Koivuniemi announced the charges on Thursday, noting that the possession charge is new and unrelated to the murder victim.

The case is set to be heard in the Pirkanmaa District Court on October 3. The victim was reported missing in May after she failed to return home, prompting a call to emergency services. Her body was later discovered in a nearby forest by peers who had spent the evening with her.

The incident shocked many in Finland, particularly as the suspect had previously received a suspended sentence for robbery and was under probation at the time. Additionally, the suspect had posted online about his fantasies of strangling a woman. The investigation did not reveal any evidence suggesting prior acquaintance between the suspect and the victim.

During police interrogations, the suspect admitted to being at the crime scene and inflicting injuries on the victim. Furthermore, DNA evidence has corroborated his close contact with the victim prior to her death.