Teenager remanded over Roskilde murder as courtroom unrest erupts

A 16-year-old boy has been remanded in custody over the alleged murder of another 16-year-old in Roskilde, Danish broadcaster DR reports. The teenager is accused of stabbing the victim in the chest and back, prosecutor Anne-Mette Seerup said.

The defendant denies the charge. The killing allegedly took place near a park where students from Himmelev Gymnasium were attending an introductory party.

Tensions rose at Roskilde District Court, both inside and outside the building, as several young people attended the hearing. DR reporter Helle Smidstrup said six friends of the victim were present, and one tried to approach the defendant before being stopped by police.

As the defendant was leaving, the young man shouted words to the effect of: You have killed my friend. Smidstrup described the atmosphere in the courtroom as hostile and said the accused appeared affected.

The victim’s friends were held by police outside the court until the 16-year-old had left. Additional officers were called in and police brought out dogs. People were told to remain in their cars for at least 10 minutes after the remanded teenager had been driven away.

According to prosecutor Anne-Mette Seerup, investigators cannot rule out the possibility that more than one person was involved. Ritzau reported that the remand was also based on the possibility that the killing was connected to a conflict between groups.

We are still at the very early stage of the investigation, Seerup said.

Students offered crisis support

Students at Himmelev Gymnasium are being offered crisis support. Principal Julie Rørdam Thom said many students witnessed the killing, had been close to what happened or knew the victim.

She said the school was doing its best to support the students and expressed sympathy for the victim’s family.