Bodom murders: suspect Gustafsson's trial to begin in late July at the earliest

Suspect disappointed at decision to prosecute

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The trial of Nils Gustafsson, who is suspected of the infamous Lake Bodom murders of 1960, is expected to begin in late July at the earliest.
      According to judge Heikki Mikkola, the court timetable for the 45-year-old murder case could be honed further in a separate preparatory session, so that the indictment could be read out in mid-August.
      The schedule largely depends on how the timetables of all interested parties can be accommodated.
      "There are quite a few people who need to be heard in person. What is decisive is to make sure that they can be brought here so that the case can be heard without interruption", Mikkola says.
     
The landmark trial is expected to attract an exceptional amount of media attention, and the court is preparing to place limits on the number of media representatives and members of the public allowed into the fairly small courtroom.
      For instance, television cameras will be allowed in only a short period of time.
      "These are difficult matters, but it is most important for us to get this case solved properly. If we have to tell someone 'sorry, but there is no more room for you', then that is how it will have to be."
     
Gustafsson himself was disappointed to hear of the decision to prosecute.
      His lawyer, Riitta Leppiniemi, said that she expects that the issue of innocence or guilt will be determined first, and that this would be followed by the more difficult question of the statute of limitations.
      The suspect was released from remand custody in May last year.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Nils Gustafsson charged with three murders in 1960 Bodom killings (8.6.2005)
  Police investigation into Lake Bodom killings nearly finished (12.8.2004)
  Bodom murders: DNA test said to reveal blood of victim on suspect’s shoes (6.5.2004)
  Veil of secrecy continues to shroud Bodom Lake murder investigation (15.4.2004)

Helsingin Sanomat