Christer Pettersson
"“lone nut”" Christer Pettersson    | |
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| Born | 1947-04-23 Solna, Sweden |
| Died | 2004-09-29 (Age 57) Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden |
| Nationality | Swedish |
| Supposed perpetrator of | Olof Palme/Assassination |
A "lone nut" who was imprisoned for the murder of Olof Palme, but released on appeal in light of the lack of evidence. | |
On the night of 28 February 1986, the Swedish Social Democratic Prime Minister Olof Palme was shot and killed in Stockholm as he walked home from a cinema with his wife, Lisbet Palme.
Accused
Pettersson was accused of Palme's murder after an extensive investigation by the Swedish police. He was picked out from a police lineup by Mrs Palme. The original tip-off leading to the incrimination of Pettersson has been described by some as very dubious. Although the .357-caliber Magnum pistol used to kill Palme was never found, Pettersson was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in 1988.
Freed on appeal
However, in 1989 he was freed on appeal in light of the lack of evidence - including the missing murder weapon. Mrs Palme's identification was questioned. Pettersson was awarded about $50,000 in compensation for defamation by the police and for wrongful imprisonment. He quickly spent the money on alcohol and other drugs, but was able to augment his income through selling TV and newspaper interviews.
Confession
In some of those interviews – particularly on TV3 – Pettersson admitted to killing Olof Palme, but his confession was not treated seriously. On several occasions Pettersson pointed out that he himself was a "Social Democrat", and liked Olof Palme.
