Mikael’s civil courage became his death. The 39-year-old was shot dead with two shots after confronting a group of young people on his way to the swimming pool in Skärholmen.
By his side he had his 12-year-old son, who witnessed the ruthless crime.
The alarm call
The son was also the first to alert SOS, at 18:15 on 10 April 2024.
– My father and I would cycle to the swimming pool…
SOS: Yes?
– And now, now there were some, three kids who, like him who (inaudible) shot him.
SOS: What did it do?
– They shot him.
SOS: Did they shoot your dad?
– Yes.
SOS: Where is your father right now?
– Skärholmen’s swimming and sports hall.
SOS: Is he in there now?
– No, he’s under a bridge.
SOS: Is he hurt?
– Yes, he is on the ground.
SOS: But he’s shot, then?
– He’s shy… (cries).
SOS: Okay, can you go over to your dad?
– It’s blood… Yes, he’s breathing.
Here the police are connected to the conversation.
SOS: Are they still there, the ones who shot your father?
– No, they cycled away.
SOS: How many guys cycled away?
– Three.
SOS: And you heard when it squealed?
– Yes.
SOS: Was it directed at dad?
– Yes, the son answers, crying.
SOS: Where is he bleeding from?
– He is bleeding from the face. There is blood everywhere.
– We need an ambulance now.
Relatives leave the hall
More people arrived at the scene to help, as did the police who started CPR on arrival. An ambulance also arrived at the scene and was able to take over the medical intervention from the police. But Mikael’s life could not be saved and he was pronounced dead on the spot.
When the conversation is played in the courtroom, a relative leaves the room. The conversation is too painful to hear and evokes strong emotions.
The ruthlessness of the murder has also stirred up emotions in the past. The incident became the subject of debate and in the days after the murder, politicians, both in power and in the opposition, visited the site to show their disgust for a crime that is seen as significant for gang violence in Sweden.
Five people, all aged 18, are charged with involvement in the crime. One of them is suspected of aggravated weapons crime and murder, while the remaining four are suspected of aggravated protection of a criminal.