Park Predators: Episode Summary - "The Girls"

Release Date: May 20, 2025
Host: Delia D’Ambra

Introduction

In the emotionally charged episode "The Girls," host Delia D’Ambra delves into one of Norway's most harrowing criminal cases—the tragic disappearance and subsequent murder of two young girls in the serene Vanahe recreation area of Kristiansand. Delia meticulously unpacks the investigation's twists and turns, highlighting both the resilience of the victims' families and the complexities of the judicial system.

The Disappearance: May 19, 2000

At approximately 7:30 PM on Friday, May 19, 2000, Ustein Sosternen anxiously awaits the return of his 8-year-old daughter, Stina Sophia, and her 10-year-old friend, Lena Paulsen, who were enjoying an evening swim at Lake Number 3 in Banahaya Recreation Area. Delia narrates the father's growing concern as the girls fail to return home:

Delia D’Ambra [00:40]: "As a mother to a young child, it's one of those stories that genuinely broke my heart and is still a case I find myself thinking about in quiet moments."

Ustein's initial response is proactive; he cycles to the jetty where the girls were last seen but finds the area deserted. Despite multiple attempts to locate them, including searching neighboring parks, the girls remain missing. By 10:10 PM, Ustein officially reports them as missing, prompting a large-scale search operation involving helicopters, scent dogs, and over 100 volunteers.

The Search Efforts

The following day, efforts intensify with search crews scouring various sections of the park. Delia emphasizes the community's collective hope that the girls are lost rather than victims of foul play:

Delia D’Ambra [06:15]: "The mindset law enforcement had was genuinely that the girls had gotten lost."

However, as the search progresses without any significant findings, skepticism grows. A pivotal moment occurs when 17-year-old volunteer Annette discovers blood-soaked clothing near a stone retention wall at 4:30 PM on May 20:

Delia D’Ambra [13:45]: "Annette noticed the stuff was covered in blood, which gave her a sinking feeling."

This alarming discovery shifts the investigation from a missing persons case to a homicide investigation.

Discovery of the Bodies and Subsequent Investigation

By late evening on May 20, the bodies of Lena and Stina Sophia are found concealed behind vegetation. The police quickly identify two potential suspects: Jan Helga Andersson, a 19-year-old shy and quiet teenager, and his 21-year-old friend, Viggo Christiansson, who has a history of criminal behavior including past sexual assaults.

Early interviews with Viggo and Jan Helga reveal inconsistencies in their alibis, raising suspicions but lacking concrete evidence to warrant immediate arrests. As Delia recounts:

Delia D’Ambra [25:30]: "The criminal offender profile indicated that the killer was one person... but it wasn't outside the realm of possibility that two people could have been involved."

Confession and Trial

In September 2000, forensic breakthroughs connect Jan Helga to the crime through a DNA match with a single male pubic hair found on the victims. Jan Helga confesses to the murders, implicating Viggo as the primary aggressor:

Delia D’Ambra [38:50]: "Jan Helga quickly confessed to being involved in the girls' murders, but said that he'd only killed Stina Sophia, not Lena."

Viggo vehemently denies involvement, maintaining his innocence. The ensuing trial culminates in both being convicted—Jan Helga receives a 17-year sentence, while Viggo is sentenced to 21 years based predominantly on Jan Helga's testimony.

Appeals and Exoneration of Viggo

Years into his imprisonment, Viggo's defense team uncovers critical evidence: his cell phone records during the time of the murders place him miles away from the crime scene, directly contradicting initial police assumptions. Additionally, subsequent DNA testing reinforces Viggo’s non-involvement, matching only Jan Helga's DNA to multiple murder-related samples.

After prolonged legal battles and mounting evidence questioning the validity of Jan Helga's confession, Norway's Criminal Cases Review Commission overturns Viggo's conviction in June 2021, leading to his exoneration and release:

Delia D’Ambra [55:20]: "In 2022, Viggo was formally exonerated of the Banahaya murders, and Norway's Director of Public Prosecutions publicly apologized for the office's role in wrongfully convicting him."

Continued Legal Proceedings for Jan Helga

Despite Viggo’s exoneration, Jan Helga remains under scrutiny. In July 2024, after years of delays, the court reopens the case related to Lena’s murder. Ultimately, Jan Helga is convicted with a relatively light sentence of two additional years, a decision met with contention and further appeals, scheduled for 2025.

Impact on the Community and Families

The murders sent shockwaves through Kristiansand, transforming the previously family-friendly reputation of the area into one marred by fear and distrust. Parents became hyper-vigilant, fearing for their children's safety. The victims' families, particularly Ada Stina Sophia's mother, channeled their grief into activism, founding the Stena Sofia Foundation to advocate for children's rights and support victims of violence.

Delia D’Ambra [58:10]: "In so many ways, I'm in awe of Ada's resilience as a parent. She and her ex-husband Ustein, as well as Lena's parents Arne and Clara, should be people you think about when you turn off this episode."

Stena Sofia Foundation

Ada's establishment of the Stena Sofia Foundation stands as a testament to turning personal tragedy into societal good. The foundation focuses on educating children, advocating for minor rights, and assisting families navigating the criminal justice system. Delia highlights the emotional significance of the foundation's cornerstone:

Delia D’Ambra [57:50]: "She told NRK that the necklace would act as a symbol for every child who hadn't made it out of a violent situation or who would never get the chance to stay at the foundation's coping center."

In support of the foundation, Audiochuck commits a $5,000 donation, underscoring the episode's dedication to honoring the victims and supporting their families.

Conclusion

"The Girls" episode of Park Predators serves as a poignant exploration of a dark chapter in Norway's history, emphasizing themes of justice, redemption, and the enduring strength of familial bonds. Delia D’Ambra's thoughtful storytelling not only recounts the harrowing details of the case but also honors the ongoing struggles and triumphs of those left behind.

Notable Quotes

• Delia D’Ambra [00:40]: "As a mother to a young child, it's one of those stories that genuinely broke my heart and is still a case I find myself thinking about in quiet moments."

• Delia D’Ambra [13:45]: "Annette noticed the stuff was covered in blood, which gave her a sinking feeling."

• Delia D’Ambra [25:30]: "The criminal offender profile indicated that the killer was one person... but it wasn't outside the realm of possibility that two people could have been involved."

• Delia D’Ambra [38:50]: "Jan Helga quickly confessed to being involved in the girls' murders, but said that he'd only killed Stina Sophia, not Lena."

• Delia D’Ambra [55:20]: "In 2022, Viggo was formally exonerated of the Banahaya murders, and Norway's Director of Public Prosecutions publicly apologized for the office's role in wrongfully convicting him."

• Delia D’Ambra [58:10]: "In so many ways, I'm in awe of Ada's resilience as a parent. She and her ex-husband Ustein, as well as Lena's parents Arne and Clara, should be people you think about when you turn off this episode."

• Delia D’Ambra [57:50]: "She told NRK that the necklace would act as a symbol for every child who hadn't made it out of a violent situation or who would never get the chance to stay at the foundation's coping center."

Final Thoughts

Delia D’Ambra poignantly underscores the delicate balance between storytelling and respecting the affected families' grief. Her commitment to justice and remembrance elevates the narrative beyond mere recounting, fostering a deeper understanding of the case's profound human impact.

For more information on the Stena Sofia Foundation and to support their mission, visit parkpredators.com. Follow Park Predators on Instagram at @parkpredators.