Woman Linked to 2000s Murder Sentenced for Large-Scale Theft from Elderly

A woman in Gothenburg has been sentenced to two years and six months in prison for committing serious thefts against elderly individuals she cared for in a secure housing facility. The court revealed she stole valuables worth approximately 450,000 kronor, primarily gold and jewelry, from vulnerable elderly women while employed in home care in Partille municipality.

The woman was also previously implicated in a high-profile murder case from 2003 involving the killing of Marie Johansson, a shop assistant. Although DNA evidence linked her to the crime scene after a police reopening of the case in 2023, prosecution was not possible due to her young age at the time and the statute of limitations.

During the theft investigation, the court heard she used work-issued cards to access victims' homes. Her supervisor described the thefts as the most extensive he'd encountered, with "everything of value" taken. She admitted most charges but questioned the valuation of some stolen items. She has been ordered to pay over 300,000 kronor in damages. In court statements, the woman expressed regret and said the experience was a wake-up call, emphasizing her commitment to not repeat such acts.

After her criminal activities, she sought to reform by pursuing a career as a social pedagogue, despite a troubled past including having three children taken into custody due to violence and drug issues. This sentencing highlights ongoing concerns about elder abuse and the challenges of addressing unresolved cold cases linked to offenders' pasts.