Police intensify investigation into Randers homicide

Police in Randers are conducting an extensive investigation following the killing of a 20-year-old man, whose body was found in the Gudenå River near Den Blå Bro bridge early Friday, DR reports.

Initially treated as non-suspicious, the case shifted after a 16-year-old boy turned himself in Friday evening, followed by the arrest of an 18-year-old. Both have been charged with murder, accused of beating, kicking, and strangling the victim before holding his head underwater.

The two suspects, known to the victim, admitted to severe violence but denied murder. Police believe a dispute may have triggered the attack, which occurred between 02:00 and 03:30 Friday. Neither suspect had a prior record of serious crime, according to lead investigator Flemming Nørgaard.

With no surveillance cameras at the bridge, authorities are reviewing footage from nearby areas, tracing the suspects’ suspected route from the city center. The 16-year-old remains in secure youth detention, while the 18-year-old is held in standard custody until July 10.

Randers Mayor Rosa Lykke Yde (SF) called the killing “senseless and horrifying,” expressing condolences to the victim’s family. Local officials have increased street presence to monitor youth concerns, though they emphasized the city remains safe.