Lørenskog-case: Charge against Tom Hagen dropped
The Director of Public Prosecutions has dropped all charges against Tom Hagen.
Within the investigation of the "Lørenskog-case", the suspicion against Tom Hagen has been one of the most important and central projects for the ongoing investigation and the investigation-team the past year.
In April Eastern police district sent its case proposal to the regional Public Prosecutions office of Oslo, and the Director of Public Prosecutions has now dropped all charges and closed the case for Tom Hagen.
- In light of the comprehensive investigation that has been carried out, the Prosecuting Authority finds that there are no supporting facts to connect Tom Hagen to the case concerning his wife Anne-Elisabeth Hagen, whom disappeared from their home in Lørenskog October 31st of 2018. In light of the decision Tom Hagen is to be considered innocent, says head of Prosecuting Authority in Eastern police district Vibeke Schøyen.
We refer to the decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions and their judgement.
Comprehensive investigation
The investigation of the Lørenskog-case is complex and comprehensive. About 700 witnesses have been interrogated, and more than 6000 hours of surveillance video has been gathered and analysed. The forensic investigation conducted has been large and complex as well. We have received more than 26 000 tips, of which 2250 have led to further investigative inquiries.
- The purpose of any investigation is to gather evidence which can clarify and prove guilt as well as innocence. This has also been the principle we have followed in the case against Tom Hagen. We believe now and fully agree now it is correct to close the case against Tom Hagen and clear him of all charges, says Vibeke Schøyen.
- Our review of the vast investigation and the evidence gathered throughout these years have been comprehensive and taken some time. We acknowledge the burden a murder charge carries, especially for such a long time for the accused, close family and friends. We have continuously assessed the grounds for suspicion and the charge in light of our domestic and international regulations and responsibilities. This has been a subject in our discussions with The Regional Public Prosecution Offices in Oslo, says Schøyen.
Further investigation
Even though the charges against Tom Hagen now are dropped, the investigation will continue to bring answers to the questions which remain unanswered. We still believe Anne-Elisabeth Hagen has been a victim of a serious violent crime and we are determined to do what is necessary to find out what happened to her, says Schøyen.
Police-prosecutor and responsible for the case, Guro Holm-Hansen, says the police and investigation team are still following different lines of inquiry relevant to the case.
- These investigative inquiries consist of checking out certain environments and individuals. We are also conducting a review of previously gathered information to assess its relevance considering what we know today.
Investigation into the so called "crypto-trace" is still ongoing.
- We understand the interest and questions regarding detailsd into current lines of inquiry and investigative tasks, but for the sake of this ongoing investigation and considering our responsibilities, we must remain sparse in revealing or commenting on these details now, says Holm-Hansen.
As to the three individuals who remain charged in the case, we are still working on evidence and assessing the grounds for suspicion. The case against these three will be sent to The Regional Public Prosecution Offices in Oslo with our comments when its finished.
Contact us
The police encourage those who may have knowledge relevant to the case to contact us.
We believe there are people out there who have knowledge about the case, information that will bring us closer in finding Anne-Elisabeth Hagen.
We urge them to contact us online on politiet.no/tips or our tip-line 0047 64 99 40 60 says Holm-Hansen.