Police advance Vaasa double murder probe but withhold details

Police have made significant progress in investigating a series of serious crimes in Vaasa and Laihia, but are not disclosing details about the suspected offences, Yle reports.

A 27-year-old man is suspected of two murders, two attempted murders, aggravated criminal mischief and aggravated endangerment of traffic safety. Police say they have a good understanding of what happened, but have not commented on the suspect’s motive or the violence allegedly inflicted on the woman.

Police suspect the man killed the woman in an apartment in Palosaari, Vaasa, and started a fire there before driving to Laihia. On the E12 road, he allegedly deliberately collided with a randomly chosen oncoming car. Its driver died and two passengers were injured.

The suspect left the crash scene and fled into nearby terrain. Police found and arrested him with the help of a dog. He has been in custody since August 31.

Investigators say they have gathered a large amount of material but still need to verify details and are waiting for some statements. The investigation has not changed the police’s view of the main events, and the suspected offences remain the same as at the start of the preliminary investigation.

Police expect to complete the investigation and transfer it to a prosecutor by the end of the year. The deadline for bringing charges is January 8. The prosecutor will then decide whether to bring charges.

Police have previously said the suspect and the woman knew each other and that they suspect the killing involved violence in a close relationship.