Elderly man killed younger father over timber trade dispute – mental state assessed as trial continues

The Oulu District Court is resuming proceedings in the case of an 85-year-old man accused of fatally shooting a father of three over a long-standing dispute related to timber sales. The trial continues after a psychiatric evaluation of the defendant was completed, public broadcaster Yle reports.

The incident took place in March 2025 at a village hall in Jokijärvi, Taivalkoski, during a local fishing association meeting. The accused, an 85-year-old resident of Taivalkoski, allegedly shot the victim—a timber buyer for a forestry company—after recognizing him at the gathering.

The defendant admitted in court last summer that he acted impulsively upon seeing the victim, stating: “I just thought, ‘There’s the devil,’ and went to get the gun from my car.” He loaded the weapon and fired a rifled shotgun barrel at the victim, who died slowly and painfully, according to prosecutors.

A bystander disarmed the elderly man after the shooting, and the suspect fled to his home before calling emergency services himself.

Psychiatric evaluation completed

The court ordered a mental state assessment last year at the defendant’s own request. The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare’s findings were presented in court today, though the details of the evaluation have not been disclosed.

If deemed legally responsible, the man could face punishment, including the life sentence sought by prosecutors for murder. The defense argues the act was manslaughter—a lesser charge—citing a spontaneous reaction to a perceived past injustice in timber transactions, not premeditated revenge.

The defendant told the court he could not explain his actions afterward, saying: “It happened. Some situation arose. Nothing can be done about it now.”

Additional charge denied

Prosecutors also accuse the 85-year-old of endangering others present at the village hall during the shooting. The defense has rejected this charge, along with the murder classification.

The court will determine the final charges and potential sentencing in a later ruling.