A preschool-aged child was found dead in an apartment fire on Hisingen in Gothenburg in February. The mother was initially detained on suspicion of murder but released shortly after. She has now been remanded in custody again on suspicion of gross negligence causing death and unlawful deprivation of liberty.
The incident occurred on February 7 on Hisingen in Gothenburg. A preschool-aged child was found dead in an apartment fire, prompting police to launch a murder investigation. Sources indicate police immediately suspected the child had died before the fire. The mother, a woman in her 30s, was detained on suspicion of murder and aggravated arson but released after a couple of days in custody. Two weeks later, she was remanded in custody again, suspected on probable cause of gross negligence causing another's death and unlawful deprivation of liberty. The latter charge covers the period from August 2025 to the fire date on February 7, spanning nearly half a year. Prosecutor Thomas Engman is leading the preliminary investigation but declines to comment at this stage. Flowers and candles remain on the asphalt outside the family's entrance, with a window above the door boarded up with wooden panels. Neighbors describe the building as quiet, home to many elderly residents. None of those interviewed knew the mother or child well, as they lived reclusively. One neighbor recalls the smoke and horror: “I saw black smoke outside the window. Then when we came down the last stairs, I saw the little child, lying like a small doll. I couldn't sleep for several days because I kept seeing the child in front of me. It's horrific.”
