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Biography[]
Lennart Persson, known as the Swedish "cannibal killer," gained notoriety for the brutal murders of Camilla Lifvendahl, 34, and Anna Norell, 19, in 2005. His crimes shocked Sweden, not only because of the violent nature of the killings but also due to his chilling claim of cannibalism.
Early Life and Background[]
Little is known about Persson's early life, but reports[which?] suggest he struggled with mental health issues and had a history of violence before the murders. He lived a largely isolated existence and had difficulty forming close relationships, which may have contributed to his increasingly disturbed state.
The Murders[]
On March 30, 2005, 19-year-old Anna Norell[1] was found brutally stabbed to death in the apartment she shared with her boyfriend, Tommie Karim, in Sätra, a neighborhood in Gävle. Initially, suspicion fell on Karim, who was arrested and held on charges of murder. The police believed him to be the prime suspect due to his proximity to the crime. However, after further investigation and a lack of solid evidence against him, Karim was completely cleared of all suspicion and released from custody.
Several months later, on October 25, 2005[1], another shocking murder occurred. Camilla Lifvendahl, a 34-year-old student teacher, was found stabbed to death in her home in Skutskär, a small town just outside Gävle. Prior to her death, Lifvendahl had received threatening letters, which she believed were sent by an ex-boyfriend. The similarities between the two cases, particularly the nature of the killings, immediately drew the attention of investigators. The police quickly linked the murder of Lifvendahl to that of Anna Norell, suspecting the same individual might be responsible for both attacks.
A crucial connection between the two victims soon came to light: both women, at different times in their lives, had been foster children in the same family in Skutskär[1]. This discovery led investigators to turn their focus toward Lennart Persson, the 28-year-old son of the foster family. Persson had known both women personally, making him a key suspect in both murders. He was arrested soon after Lifvendahl’s death, marking a pivotal moment in the investigation.
Under questioning, Persson confessed to the killings and even claimed to have engaged in acts of cannibalism, adding a horrifying layer to an already gruesome series of events. His brutal stabbing of the victims and the psychological torment he inflicted upon them made the murders even more unsettling for the public. The connection between the foster family and the victims raised questions about Persson's past and possible motives, though his mental health issues played a significant role in the violence.
Arrest, Trial, and Aftermath[]
Persson was arrested shortly after the murders of Anna Norell and Camilla Lifvendahl, with his trial receiving widespread media attention in Sweden. During the trial, Persson discussed the details of the killings, including his claims of cannibalism. His defense emphasized his mental health issues, arguing that he was not fully responsible for his actions. Despite these claims, the court found him guilty of the murders and sentenced him to life imprisonment.
The case has remained significant in Sweden, both for the violent nature of the crimes and for Persson's claims of cannibalism. It also sparked renewed discussions about mental health care and the treatment of violent offenders with psychological disorders within the legal system.
Victims[]
| Name | Age | Date of Death | Cause of Death |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anna Norell | 19 | March 30, 2005 | Stabbing |
| Camilla Lifvendahl | 34 | October 25, 2005 | Stabbing |
Timeline[]
Bibliography[]
Literature[]
- Tagesson, Pelle. Den svenske kannibalen, (Swedish). ISBN 9789185499021
Articles[]
Documentaries[]
Television[]
YouTube Documentaries[]
- Veckans brott | S04E08 – Kannibalmordet i Gävle 2005 (SVT 2012) on YouTube (Swedish)
Podcasts[]
In popular culture[]
Film adaptation[]
Related Articles[]
See also[]
Links[]
- Flashback.org (Swedish)
Notes[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Terese Cristiansson (8 nov 2005). Lennart högg ihjäl sina "systrar" (Swedish). Expressen. Archived from the original on September 22, 2024.