Man charged with 69 stab wounds in fatal attack on social worker

A 34-year-old woman was stabbed at least 69 times in a brutal killing at a child welfare-supported housing facility in Oslo, Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet reports.

Djordje Wilms, 18, has been charged with the murder of Tamima Nibras Juhar, who was found dead at her workplace in the Kampen district on 24 August. According to the indictment, the attack occurred between midnight and 00:24 AM, during which Wilms allegedly used a hunting knife purchased online a week prior.

Police confirmed the killing appeared premeditated, noting that Wilms was in possession of the knife—found with the victim’s blood on it—when arrested. While he has admitted to the killing, he denies criminal responsibility. No trial date has been set.

The case initially included terrorism charges, but prosecutors later dropped this element, citing insufficient evidence of a terror intent. However, prosecutors have stated the attack was racially motivated, which may aggravate sentencing.

Wilms had previously expressed anti-Islamic views, telling his defence lawyer he feared Norway’s “Islamisation” and wanted the attack to “draw attention” to the issue. During police questioning, he also admitted plans to target a mosque in Hønefoss.

The killing sparked national outrage, with thousands attending a memorial in Oslo. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre called it a crime that “shocked the entire nation,” while former Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg condemned the racism behind the attack, stating: “There is no place for hatred rooted in intolerance in Norwegian society.”

A subsequent review by police and domestic security services (PST) found failures in information-sharing and communication with minority groups, which heightened fears after the attack. Workplace safety authorities also cited lapses at the facility, including inadequate risk assessments for violence and insufficient training for staff working alone.