Death of Imatra man at Kesälahti cabin remains unsolved as appeals court upholds acquittal

The Eastern Finland Court of Appeal has upheld a lower court’s decision to acquit a man accused of killing his friend at a summer cabin in Kitee’s Kesälahti area in autumn 2022, leaving the case unresolved, Yle reports.

A roughly 70-year-old man from Imatra disappeared in late 2022, with his last confirmed sighting that autumn. His body parts were later found near the cabin in autumn 2023 and spring 2024, but the cause of death could not be determined.

Prosecutors alleged the suspect, also in his 70s, had killed his friend at the cabin and concealed the body in the surrounding area. The North Karelia District Court dismissed the murder charge in October 2024, citing insufficient evidence of intentional homicide. The ruling was split 2–1, with one judge dissenting in favor of conviction.

The appeals court agreed the suspect likely moved the body and was aware of the death but found no conclusive proof he caused it—either intentionally or through negligence. The court noted the man may have died from a medical episode.

The acquittal is not yet final; the prosecution may seek leave to appeal to the Supreme Court. The suspect had faced a potential 8.5-year prison sentence if convicted of murder or, alternatively, aggravated assault and manslaughter.