Danish prosecutors seek Supreme Court review in murder case of 13-year-old girl

Danish prosecutors will apply to have the so-called Hjallerup murder case heard by the Supreme Court, public broadcaster DR reports. The 20-year-old perpetrator received a 12-year prison sentence in both district and high court for the rape and murder of his 13-year-old ex-girlfriend.

The prosecutor had demanded forvaring—indeterminate preventive detention—arguing the case should be reviewed by Denmark’s highest court. The Director of Public Prosecutions stated the case raises “a fundamental question” about whether such a sentence can be imposed on a young, first-time offender convicted of murder and rape.

Permission from the Procedural Appeals Board is required to bring the case before the Supreme Court. The Director of Public Prosecutions believes the case meets the criteria due to its “principled nature,” according to a written statement to media, including DR.

Split verdict in high court

The murder occurred in Hjallerup, North Jutland, in March 2024, when the perpetrator was 17 years old. On 21 April, the Western High Court delivered its verdict, with judges divided: three voted for preventive detention, three for imprisonment. The tie resulted in the more lenient sentence for the defendant.

The high court emphasised that the perpetrator was under 18 at the time of the killing and had no prior criminal record. Defence attorney Mette Grith Stage argued against preventive detention, stating she was “not aware of any cases where a minor has been given such a sentence.”

Prosecutors, however, insisted preventive detention was the only appropriate outcome, citing the brutality of the crime and a recommendation from the National Board of Forensic Medicine, which advised indeterminate detention to prevent future violent offences.

The defendant admitted to the murder but denied the rape charge, claiming he killed the girl in frustration after she ended their relationship a week earlier.

Preventive detention in Denmark is reserved for offenders deemed particularly dangerous.