Man in 30s arrested on suspicion of murder in Stavanger

A man in his 30s has been arrested and charged with the murder of Christian Rydningen Auklend, 40, whose body was discovered in Stavanger on Thursday, Dagbladet reports.

Police confirmed the arrest in a statement, citing “reasonable grounds for suspicion,” though the investigation remains in its early stages. “We are still verifying key details,” said police prosecutor Ellen Mellemstrand Gimre. The suspect has not yet been formally questioned but will be interviewed later today.

Authorities have not disclosed any potential relationship between the victim and the suspect, citing investigative concerns. Odd Rune Torstrup has been appointed as the suspect’s defense attorney but declined to comment on Saturday morning.

Auklend was last seen alive on surveillance footage at Coop Extra Paradis in Lagårdsveien 80, Stavanger, around 8 p.m. on Friday, May 29. His body was found in his municipal housing unit on Våland by city employees shortly after 9 a.m. on Thursday.

Police continue to seek public tips, particularly regarding Auklend’s movements after his last confirmed sighting. “Narrowing the timeline between his last observation and the discovery of his body is critical,” said police prosecutor Fredrik Martin Soma.