Court hears mental assessment in Otava homicide case

The South Savo District Court is continuing its hearing into a homicide in Otava in July 2025, Yle reports. The court will examine the results of the defendant’s psychiatric assessment and hear closing statements.

The defendant is attending the hearing remotely from Kuopio Prison. He has been detained since his arrest.

The man was 19 at the time of the alleged offences. He is charged with murdering a 60-year-old woman in Mikkeli and attempting to murder a taxi driver in Jyväskylä. Prosecutors are seeking a life sentence.

He also faces charges including aggravated criminal damage and aggravated robbery.

The defendant has largely admitted to the acts but denies the murder and attempted murder charges. He has no previous criminal record.

Defence lawyer Henry Saleva has described the case as exceptional. The motive remains unclear.