Suspect Indicted for Robbery and Murder in Sweden
A shocking case of robbery and murder has been revealed in the small town of Ånge, Sweden. According to the indictment, 24-year-old Issa El-Chaer, together with another individual, is accused of breaking into the victim’s home, holding him captive, and eventually taking his life. The incident occurred on December 10, 2019.
The indictment alleges that El-Chaer and his accomplice entered the victim’s apartment, where they proceeded to lock him inside before committing the heinous crimes. The victim was subjected to a horrifying ordeal, with the perpetrators holding him at gunpoint and using tape to restrain his hands, feet, neck, nose, and mouth. They then reportedly proceeded to physically assault him, resulting in his suffocation.
Prosecutor Christina Edlund Nilsson has described the events as a “prolonged sequence of torture-like acts,” inducing immense fear and psychological distress in the victim. This chilling motivation behind the crime adds an extra layer of horror to the case.
In addition to the violent acts committed, El-Chaer and his accomplice allegedly stole several items from the victim’s residence. These include speakers, a television, a tablet, a computer, watches, sunglasses, passports, a VR screen, a Canada Goose jacket, and a coin collection.
Following the murder, the two suspects fled Sweden, with one of them being apprehended in Denmark shortly afterward. In 2020, this individual was convicted and sentenced to nine years in prison for his role in the crime. However, El-Chaer managed to evade justice for a more extended period. He traveled to Egypt and then to Lebanon, where he remained under the radar until his arrest in January 2023.
During his time in Lebanon, El-Chaer disturbingly wrote about the murder on an online forum called Flashback, according to the police investigation. Authorities have noted that he wrote about details that were only known to those involved in the crime, indicating his direct involvement.
Moreover, evidence suggests that El-Chaer flaunted his freedom while in Lebanon. He boasted about leaving Sweden and living a comfortable life on the beach, claiming to be running a business. He even posted pictures from the victim’s cell phone, with one image allegedly showing El-Chaer wearing a clown mask inside the victim’s home.
Now back in Sweden, El-Chaer faces charges of murder, aggravated robbery, and kidnapping, along with allegations of making threats against officials. The 24-year-old, who is a Swedish citizen but has Palestinian roots, arrived in Sweden in 2011. During his time in Lebanon, he claims to have forgotten Swedish and now requires an Arabic interpreter for his trial.
El-Chaer adamantly denies any involvement in the crimes, despite the overwhelming evidence against him. As the trial approaches, the community of Ånge and the victim’s family wait anxiously for justice to be served in this harrowing case of robbery and murder.