Rovaniemi sword attacker struck victim in “throat-slitting style” using Kill Bill-inspired weapon

A man accused of attacking another with a katana sword in Rovaniemi struck the victim in a “throat-slitting style,” prosecutors told a district court this week. The weapon, a replica of the sword featured in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill films, was recovered from a snowbank after the assault, reports Finnish broadcaster Yle.

The attack took place outside the Pisto restaurant in central Rovaniemi on March 13. The assailant, a 30-year-old man born in Russia, surrendered to police after calling emergency services and waiting in the snow. He later admitted to exaggerating his claim of having killed the victim in order to be apprehended quickly, according to investigative records.

Three men are charged with attempted murder in connection with the incident. The weapon’s owner, a 38-year-old man, testified that he had possessed the katana for 12 years, originally as a decorative item. He claimed the blade was not fully sharp and had notches, though prosecutors described it as a dangerous, razor-edged weapon. The victim suffered severe injuries to his shoulder, mouth, and teeth.

Wrong target, chaotic aftermath

The group had reportedly gathered at a private residence before the attack, where witnesses described a “negative atmosphere” as the men prepared to confront a rival over drug-related disputes. However, they mistakenly targeted an unrelated bystander inside the restaurant.

A bouncer at Pisto testified that the attacker sat in the snow after the assault, holding a phone, before lying down in the street upon seeing police arrive. The weapon—a one-meter-long, 1.1-kilogram katana—was found nearby in the snow.

One witness, a friend of the main suspect, admitted to examining the sword before the attack and noted it appeared dull and poorly maintained. He claimed to have advised the owner to take better care of it.

Trial delayed as youngest suspect fails to appear

The court proceedings were adjourned Wednesday after the youngest defendant, a 20-year-old man, failed to appear. Authorities are searching for him, and the trial may resume Monday. The 38-year-old defendant is his father.

Prosecutor Maija Aarto stated this was the first case of its kind she had encountered. All three suspects deny the charges.