A man suspected of killing his mother last April in the capital area has been charged with manslaughter, assaulting her cohabiting partner, as well as for reckless driving in the capital area two years prior, Vísir reports. The woman’s death is one of two that occurred this past spring, raising concerns that COVID-19 restrictions were causing an uptick in domestic violence. In a COVID-19 briefing yesterday, National Police Commissioner Sigríður Björk Guðjónsdóttir reported that another rise in domestic violence appears to be occurring, though a rise in reporting as well.
Suspected of Killing Mother and Assaulting Her Partner
A 30-year-old man has been charged with manslaughter for the suspected killing of his mother in an apartment in Hafnarfjörður last April. He is also charged with assaulting her partner, who lived with the woman, stabbing him in the face and arm. The woman’s partner and daughters have filed claims against the suspect for ISK 4.8 million ($35,000/€29,700) in compensation, including funeral expenses. According to Vísir’s sources, the man was struggling with drug addiction and mental health issues. A psychological assessment of whether he was of sound mind is pending.
Police Visited Home Shortly Before the Crime
Police visited the apartment five hours before the incident occurred, after the woman and her husband had called police. The suspect was then at the home, and the woman could not sleep due to his condition. Police arrived at the scene, stayed for some time, and talked to the suspect before leaving. Around five hours later, he is suspected of killing his mother and assaulting her partner with a knife. According to police, a review of officers’ body cameras from the interaction showed no indication that they should have acted differently during their first visit. Furthermore, there was no legal requirement to remove the man from the premises at the time.
Reckless Driving Two Years Prior
The suspect was also charged for reckless driving two years prior to the incident, in June 2018. At speeds nearing 200km/h (124m/h), he drove against traffic, crossed red lights, and conducted illegal U-turns while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. It may be pure luck that no one was injured in the incident. Around one year later, he was stopped by police while driving under the influence.
