Authorities reopen investigation into Martine’s death in Norway after new evidence emerges

Since the death of 1-year-old Martine in 2006, authorities have been investigating the circumstances surrounding her passing. Her caregiver, Rita, now 54, was convicted in 2019 and sentenced to four years in prison for allegedly causing Martine’s death by repeatedly striking her head against a hard surface. Rita has consistently maintained her innocence.

In 2023, the Case Review Commission decided that Rita’s case should be reopened based on new evidence, suggesting there was a reasonable possibility she would have been acquitted if the court had been aware of this information earlier. The prosecution has now requested five additional expert evaluations before determining whether a new trial or a potential exoneration will occur.

Rita’s case, often referred to as the “Daycare Mother Case,” has undergone extensive scrutiny. Martine was admitted to the hospital with severe injuries, ultimately passing away four days later. Initially, the investigation was closed in 2008 and then again in 2009 due to lack of evidence. A renewed investigation by the Cold Case unit in 2015 led to Rita being charged again.

Rita’s defense lawyer, Thomas Randby, expresses concern about the potential delays in resolving the case, emphasizing that the existing evidence already includes input from 17 experts. The newly obtained expert opinions may resolve whether Martine’s injuries were sustained prior to her being in Rita’s care or resulted from an accidental fall.

Martine’s family’s legal representative supports the decision to involve additional experts, stressing the importance of a thorough examination rather than a rushed conclusion, even as the protracted timeline adds stress for the grieving family.