Police have confirmed that biological samples from the investigation into the murder of Birna Brjánsdóttir connect the suspect in the case directly to Birna, RÚV reports. The Suðurnes District Court approved yesterday that the suspect is to remain in police custody for another four weeks. He has not confessed to the murder.
Another angle of the investigation has to do with 20 kilos (44 lbs), of hashish confiscated onboard the trawler Polar Nanoq from Greenland, of which the suspect is a crew member. He has confessed it was his intention to smuggle the drugs to Greenland. RÚV reports that police have questioned several individuals in connection with the smuggling, both in Iceland and abroad.
The 20-year-old Birna Brjánsdóttir disappeared in downtown Reykjavík on January 14. Her body was discovered on the south shore of Reykjanes peninsula eight days later. The suspect has been in police custody since his arrest on January 18. He’s been out of solitary confinement since Tuesday.
The investigation of Birna’s death is progressing well, and it’s expected to conclude soon. Biological results, which have arrived from Sweden, are being worked on by police.
When asked if police have biological samples connecting the suspect directly to Birna, Deputy Reykjavík Police Chief Jón H.B. Snorrason remarked, “Without a doubt, in our opinion. Now, we’ll just strive to complete, as I said, the investigation and bring investigative data to the district prosecutor.”
