Prosecutor demands 10.5 years in prison for Kuopio killing and disturbance of a corpse

A prosecutor has called for a minimum sentence of 10 years and six months in prison for a man accused of killing another man in a private apartment in Kuopio, eastern Finland, last March, as well as disturbing the peace of the dead. The case is being heard in North Savo District Court.

The defendant allegedly beat the victim for hours in an apartment near Kuopio railway station, using fists, strangulation, kicks, and blows with the flat and handle of a machete, according to the prosecutor. The attack was reportedly triggered by the defendant’s claim that his amphetamine supply had gone missing, prompting a violent search for the drugs.

The victim, described as effectively defenceless, later died from his injuries. A woman present in the apartment was also allegedly assaulted by the defendant, who prevented her from leaving or calling for medical help despite repeated requests.

The prosecutor stated that after the victim lost consciousness, the defendant returned to the apartment and handled the body in a manner likely to cause outrage. The corpse was kept in the apartment for several days before being packed into bags, sealed with tape and rope, and placed in a suitcase.

In addition to the killing and disturbance of the corpse, the defendant faces charges of aggravated assault against the woman, deprivation of liberty, and payment fraud. The prosecutor claims the defendant struck the woman with the machete, strangled her, and pushed her, while blocking her attempts to leave.

During preliminary investigations, the defendant admitted to punching the male victim multiple times, causing the woman’s leg injury, and preventing her from leaving. He also confirmed placing the body in a ski bag and suitcase. The defendant was previously imprisoned from 2 April 2025 to 17 July 2025 before being released by a district court decision.