August 10, 1993
Oslo, Norway
Øystein Aarseth, known by the pseudonym Euronymous, member of the Norwegian black metal band Mayhem, is killed by fellow band mate Varg Vikernes
Vikernes (born Kristian Vikernes) and Snorre “Blackthorn” Ruch (a member of the Norwegian black metal band Thorns) drove to Euronymous’ apartment in Oslo. After a confrontation, Euronymous was stabbed 23 times — twice to the head, five times to the neck, and 16 to the back. While driving back to Bergen, Vikernes and Blackthorn discarded bloody clothing from the murder.
Vikernes claimed self-defense, and said many of the stab wounds were actually caused by broken glass. He stated Euronymous threatened to use a stun gun or taser to incapacitate him, restrain him, and torture him to death while videotaping. Vikernes also claimed he would not have taken the threat seriously had Euronymous told the story to any who would listen, but Euronymous told only a handful of people, one of whom informed Vikerness.
On May 16, 1994, Vikerness was sentenced to the maximum penalty in Norway, 21 years, for the murder of Euronymous, arson of three churches, attempted arson on a fourth, and the theft of a large quantity of explosives.
