What is the episode about?
Danske Drabssager: The Widow's Death concerns the tragic and cold-blooded murder of an 81-year-old widow that took place in Herlev in December 2011. The case forced investigators from the Copenhagen West Police, forensic technicians, and forensic pathologists to interrupt their Christmas holiday to secure crucial evidence in the elderly woman's home. The podcast, recorded live at Vejle Music Theatre, brings listeners up close to the technical and medical examinations that are the foundation of any murder investigation. Host Stine Bolther guides the conversation between two of the country's most experienced experts in the field: former forensic technician Bent Hytholm Jensen and professor of forensic medicine Hans Petter Hougen.
The case behind the episode
The murder of the 81-year-old woman in 2011 shook the local community in Herlev. When the woman was found lifeless in her apartment, it quickly became clear to the authorities that it was not a natural death. The investigation initially focused on mapping the woman's last movements and examining the apartment for signs of burglary or struggle. In this episode of Danske Drabssager, Bent Hytholm Jensen explains how technicians work to secure DNA traces and fingerprints under time pressure, while Hans Petter Hougen elaborates on the forensic findings that helped establish the time and cause of death. The case raises central questions about the motive behind the murder of a defenseless elderly citizen and how the police navigate cases where the perpetrator does not immediately have a relationship with the victim.
About the podcast
The podcast Danske Drabssager is one of Denmark's most popular true crime productions, offering a unique insight into police work. This specific episode is part of season 13 and stands out by being recorded in front of a live audience in Vejle. The format with experts as participants ensures a high degree of professionalism, where the listener is explained the complex processes behind a resolution. Stine Bolther, who is herself an experienced crime reporter and author, manages to balance respect for the victims with the technical curiosity that the genre demands.