Man charged in Halden death after chokehold

A man in his 50s has been charged with aggravated assault leading to death after Stian Eikrem Karlsen, 46, died in Halden last August, Dagbladet reports.

According to the indictment, the man placed Karlsen in a chokehold, rendering him unconscious. Karlsen died from asphyxiation in the early hours of 7 August. The accused, initially suspected of murder, has denied criminal intent, stating he acted in self-defence after Karlsen became violent under the influence of ketamine.

The man’s defence lawyer, Morten Andreassen, said his client believed Karlsen was asleep and called emergency services upon realising he had no pulse. The lawyer added that the client is relieved the charge is not murder and expects release pending trial, as the basis for continued detention no longer applies.

A woman in her 40s, initially suspected of accessory to murder for allegedly restraining Karlsen’s legs during the struggle, has had her case dropped.

Prosecutors declined to comment on the decision.