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A man in his 40s has been sentenced to 19 years in prison for the murder of his ex-wife, 50-year-old Hadas Kidane Desta, in Hønefoss. The court found that the defendant killed Desta on a public street on June 10, 2025, by striking her with a wheel wrench and stabbing her at least four times. He was also convicted of attempted murder and violence related to his actions against a bystander who intervened.
The Legal Ruling
In the verdict, the court characterized the murder as a “grave and highly reckless” act. According to the court, the violence occurred in the middle of the day on a public street while the victim was attempting to flee. The court noted that the victim was defenseless and that the attack was unprovoked. During the trial, the defendant admitted to the murder, claiming his intention was to strike her so that she would “change.”
Attempted Murder and Prior Restraints
The defendant was also convicted for the attempted murder of Gabriel Calderon (40). Calderon had arrived at the scene to assist the victim when the defendant attempted to stab him in the throat and upper body while shouting, “I will kill you.” Calderon was not struck during the encounter. The couple, who married in Eritrea in 2007 and had one child, had been divorced since 2021. Despite multiple restraining orders issued against him, the defendant continued to approach his ex-wife. She had been granted a personal alarm for protection just eight days before the murder.
Did You Know?
The victim, Hadas Kidane Desta, had been issued a voldsalarm (personal security alarm) just eight days before she was killed on the street in Hønefoss.
The victim, Hadas Kidane Desta, had been issued a voldsalarm (personal security alarm) just eight days before she was killed on the street in Hønefoss.
Expert Insight:
This case underscores the severe limitations of protective measures like restraining orders when a perpetrator is determined to ignore them. The escalation from repeated breaches of these orders to a public, fatal attack highlights the critical gap between legal protections and physical safety for victims of domestic violence.
This case underscores the severe limitations of protective measures like restraining orders when a perpetrator is determined to ignore them. The escalation from repeated breaches of these orders to a public, fatal attack highlights the critical gap between legal protections and physical safety for victims of domestic violence.
What Happens Next
Following the 19-year sentencing, it is likely that the legal process will now focus on the finality of the judgment and the potential for appeal. As the case concludes in the Ringerike and Hallingdal District Court, the community of Hønefoss, which was described by public prosecutor Hans-Petter Aasen as “shaken” by the incident, may begin to process the implications of the violence that occurred in their city center. Police, who were forced to discharge their weapons at the scene when the defendant did not respond to their presence, have finalized their initial investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the motive provided by the defendant?
The defendant told the court that his goal was to strike his ex-wife so that she would change her behavior.
How did the police intervene during the incident?
Police arrived on the scene after receiving multiple reports of knife violence. They eventually fired shots at the defendant when he failed to respond to their commands.
Was there any prior history of conflict between the two?
Yes. The couple had been divorced since 2021, and the defendant had been subject to multiple restraining orders, which he had violated several times prior to the murder.
How can local communities better support individuals who have active restraining orders against former partners?
