A 37-year-old Romanian man found dead in Denmark’s longest river, the Gudenåen, was weighed down by a large car battery tied to his body, according to Midt- og Vestjyllands Politi. Danish investigators released photographs of the victim and the car battery as part of an international appeal for public assistance to retrace his final movements.
Discovery at Gudenåen and the Car Battery Evidence
The body was discovered on Monday, August 24, in the waters of Gudenåen just north of Svostrup, outside Silkeborg, according to reports verified by regional police. Investigators confirmed the following day that the case is being treated as a homicide. Ekstra Bladet first reported that the victim was bound to a heavy car battery designed to keep the body submerged beneath the water’s surface, a detail later corroborated by Midt- og Vestjyllands Politi.
Police have released images of the specific car battery used in the crime and are urging anyone with information about its origin to come forward. “Is it your battery, or do you have concrete information about where it might originate? Then contact us. The battery may have been stolen near the crime scene,” police stated in a public appeal.
Victim Identification and Timeline in Denmark
The dead man has been identified as a 37-year-old Romanian citizen. Law enforcement describes him as standing 165 centimeters tall with a slender build, dark hair, and a short beard. At the time he was found, he was wearing light-colored shorts featuring vertical stripes.
Investigators believe the man traveled into Denmark at the end of July, roughly one month prior to the discovery of his body. To establish a timeline of his activities, authorities have published photographs of the victim and requested targeted tips from the public.
Did you know? Gudenåen is Denmark’s longest river.
“It could be that someone had the man employed or perhaps worked alongside him. It could also be that someone had him lodging or simply saw him down at the local supermarket,” said Police Commissioner Theis Thylstrup in an interview with TV 2.
Water Operations and Ongoing Search Efforts
As part of the expanding forensic and tactical search, police deployed a boat into Sminge Sø—located northeast of Silkeborg—on Wednesday during the week of the investigation, according to TV 2. Investigators continue to process physical evidence recovered from the waterways surrounding the Silkeborg municipality.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the victim found in Denmark?
The body was discovered on Monday, August 24, in the Gudenåen river north of Svostrup, according to police records.
What caused the police to suspect homicide?
Investigators confirmed a homicide investigation after finding the 37-year-old victim physically bound to a large car battery intended to keep him submerged.
How can the public assist the police investigation?
Midt- og Vestjyllands Politi is asking anyone who recognizes the victim from his description or photographs, or who has information regarding the origin of the car battery, to contact local authorities.
Stay Informed on Breaking Investigations
Subscribe to our newsletter or explore our archives for ongoing updates on developing crime reports and international law enforcement appeals.
Worth a look