Lawyer for Tom Hagen says family welcomes new arrest in missing wife case

The family of Tom Hagen, whose wife Anne-Elisabeth Hagen vanished in 2018, has welcomed the arrest of a new suspect in the case, their legal representative told VG on Thursday.

Ståle Kihle, the family’s assisting counsel, stated in an email that Hagen and his relatives support all measures that may help resolve the disappearance. “They welcome any investigation that could clarify what happened,” Kihle wrote.

Norwegian police confirmed on Saturday that a man in his 50s had been charged in connection with the case. The suspect denies any involvement. Previous charges against other individuals, including Hagen himself, were dropped after prosecutors found insufficient evidence.

Hagen was formally cleared by the Director of Public Prosecutions, who concluded he had no criminal responsibility. “My client has been fully exonerated and declared innocent,” Kihle said. “His strongest wish is for the case to be solved.”

Anne-Elisabeth Hagen, then 75, disappeared from her home in Lørenskog on 31 October 2018. Authorities initially treated the case as a possible homicide after her absence became public months later. Despite extensive media coverage and multiple arrests, no charges have been upheld.