Grandfather of Viertola school shooter receives suspended sentence for firearms offence

The grandfather of the 12-year-old boy who shot his classmates at Viertola School in Vantaa has been given a six-month suspended prison sentence for a firearms violation, reports Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

The District Court of Eastern Uusimaa ruled that the 69-year-old man had handed over a firearm and ammunition to his underage grandson on 30 March 2024 in Myrskylä without proper supervision. The boy, who did not have the legally required permit to possess a firearm, later used the weapon in a school shooting on 2 April 2024, killing one child and injuring two others.

According to the court, the grandfather had given the revolver and cartridges to the boy to be taken to a gun cabinet on the upper floor of his home. However, he failed to ensure the weapon was properly secured or later verify its storage. The court found that the man had neglected his duty of care as the holder of the firearm, particularly given the boy’s age—under 15—requiring heightened responsibility.

The ruling acknowledged that while the consequences of the man’s actions were severe, they were also unforeseen. Despite the gravity of the offence, the court opted for a suspended sentence due to the man’s lack of prior criminal record. He admitted to handing over the weapon and ammunition without confirming their secure storage, pleading guilty to the firearms violation.

The verdict is not yet legally binding. The 12-year-old boy, suspected of murder and attempted murder, cannot be prosecuted due to his age under Finnish law.