Suspect charged with manslaughter in Turku Lauste killing

Yle reports that a 44-year-old man has been charged with manslaughter over the death of a 33-year-old man in Lauste, Turku, in April. The trial begins on Wednesday morning at the Southwest Finland District Court.

The defendant is also charged with assault. The victim died after violence in a private apartment, according to police.

A 24-year-old woman was initially also suspected of manslaughter and remanded in custody alongside the man. She has not been charged with manslaughter, but faces a charge of aggravated assault instead.

According to information obtained by Yle, the incident took place in the man’s apartment. Police said the victim was then dragged outside in the middle of the day. A patrol responding to the scene found the man lifeless in front of the apartment building.

Police said the victim had been stabbed several times. The parties knew each other, according to the preliminary investigation, and police said the victim’s visit to the apartment and the events there were connected in some way to debts.

Four people were arrested the following day on suspicion of involvement in the crime. The investigation focused on two of them, who were remanded in custody on suspicion of manslaughter. One of the suspects was released after the case was sent for consideration of charges.

Both defendants have previous criminal records. The man and woman have separately faced charges in several court proceedings involving offences including robbery and drug crimes.