Police thought he was an 'attention-seeker eyewitness'. He was the killer
Share this @internewscast.com

On the tragic night of February 28, 1986, Swedish Prime Minister Olaf Palme was assassinated on the streets of Stockholm. He was walking home with his wife after enjoying a film in the heart of the city when the shocking event took place.

In the aftermath, despite the presence of more than 25 witnesses, the investigation struggled to pinpoint the identity of the assailant. Eyewitness accounts varied significantly, leaving authorities with a fragmented picture of the suspect.

The police, eager to find leads, released a sketch based on witness descriptions. Unfortunately, it was later revealed that the sketch was drawn from the testimony of a person who hadn’t actually seen the perpetrator.

Amidst the chaos and confusion, numerous conspiracy theories emerged. One particularly intriguing theory suggested that Palme was targeted by a South African spy, allegedly due to his staunch opposition to the apartheid regime.

RELATED: Discover the origins of the ‘Stockholm syndrome’ myth through a dramatic six-day bank siege

Numerous conspiracy theories were posited, including that he was killed by a South African spy because of Palme's opposition to apartheid.

Other theories include that he was killed by Chilean fascists, the CIA, the police, Kurdish militants and the Yugoslavian secret service.

Three years later, habitual criminal Christer Pettersson was identified as the killer and tried and convicted.

READ MORE: Serial killer sues state for letting him out of prison

But it was revealed police had directed witnesses, including Palme's wife, as to who the suspect was in the line-ups.

Pettersson was freed a year later on appeal.

But an alleged eyewitness to the murder claimed his claims to the police had been repeatedly ignored.

Stig Engstrom spent years detailing how he arrived at the crime scene moments after the shooting and had pointed out the killer's escape route to police.

Engstrom repeatedly told his story to the media in the years following, his details becoming more vivid over time.

Police brushed him off as an attention seeker and a publicity-seeking nuisance.

READ MORE: President told 'under no circumstances' to drink from third glass

But in 2020, years after Engstrom's death, prosecutors named him as the likely culprit of Palme's murder.

The leading theory is Palme's murder was purely opportunistic.

Palme happened to be walking past as Engstrom left work at an insurance company.

Because he was dead, the investigation was closed after 34 years.

READ MORE: Only six people saw the biggest flop of all time

For more from our Today in History archive, click here

DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Tragic Shooting: Jeep Passenger Fatally Shot at Taco Stand Amid Heated Confrontation

Inset top: Roland Contreras (San Antonio Police Department). Inset bottom: Gabrielle Felis…

Facebook Post by Suspected Killer Mentions Victim as ‘The Eye’ Prior to Hatchet Attack

Background: News footage of the home where Christopher Jaber was found dead…

Man Charged with Baby’s Death Using Coffee Mug Seeks Sympathy from Deputy, Sheriff Reports

Main: Anthony Grove being questioned by deputies on March 21 (Volusia County…

Tragic Double Murder: Man Defies Protection Order, Fatally Shoots Wife and Her Partner in Shocking Act of Violence

Inset: Robert T. Child (Mason County Sheriff”s Office). Background: Child is arrested…

Fugitive Caught: Xanax Blamed for Shoplifting Spree Amid Arrest

By Staff Writers GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In a recent incident at a…

Retired Sergeant Faces Sixth Sexual Assault Charge in Ongoing Serial Rape Investigation Involving Victim as Young as 14

A former police sergeant from Michigan, now retired, is under scrutiny as…

Tragic Loss at Family Barbecue: Father of Three Fatally Shot Amid Stray Bullet During Heated Argument

Inset left: Steffen Tidwell (Lancaster County District Attorney”s Office). Inset right: Jomar…

Massive Cocaine Haul Discovered on Sailboat in Tropical Island Haven

The turquoise blue ocean and lush greenery of Vanuatu’s Havannah Harbour turned…

Savannah Guthrie’s Mother Unaccounted For: Could Family Dog’s Barking Hold Clues?

The ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie has taken a new twist, with…

DoorDash Delivery Turns Dangerous: Customer Reports Gun Threat by Driver’s Companion, Leading to Arrests

By Staff Reporter GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities have apprehended Calista Nicole Crenshaw,…

Venezuelan Man’s Lawsuit Over Alleged Illegal Deportation and ‘Torture’ Assigned to Judge Often Criticized by Trump

Left: Donald Trump speaks at the annual Road to Majority conference in…

Tragic NYC Subway Incident: Serial Offender Fatally Pushes 83-Year-Old Air Force Veteran

A Honduran national, described as a “serial criminal,” faces charges of second-degree…