Woman dies after assault, man charged with murder

A woman in her 30s died Monday after being found seriously injured in a private home in Jæren, Dagbladet reports. A man in his 30s has been charged with murder.

Police responded to the residence Sunday afternoon following reports of a severely injured woman. She was taken to hospital but declared dead Monday afternoon.

A man was arrested at the scene and initially charged with attempted murder. Prosecutors have since upgraded the charge to murder.

Police continue forensic work at the scene. The suspect has given a preliminary statement but has so far declined further questioning, according to police prosecutor Fredrik Martin Soma.

“We must be cautious with information at this stage. We cannot disclose the nature of the woman’s injuries,” Soma said.

The suspect’s lawyer, Arvid Sjødin, told NTB earlier Monday that his client was surprised by the charge. The man claims the woman was ill and that no violence occurred.

“He is absolutely clear that no violence took place,” Sjødin said, adding that his client denies criminal responsibility.

The man is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday for a custody hearing. Police have confirmed a relationship between the suspect and the victim.