Thorsteinn Hermann Þorbjörnsson, convicted of manslaughter by the Landsréttur (Court of Appeals) for the fatal assault on his partner in Akureyri, has received the green light to appeal to the Supreme Court. In April 2024, the incident took place in their home. While Landsréttur delivered a harsher sentence based on indications of brutality, the earlier district court ruling only held him accountable for violent conduct in a close relationship, resulting in a lesser sentence of twelve years in prison. This earlier decision faced significant criticism for its leniency.

In agreeing to hear the appeal, the Supreme Court pointed out that the Landsréttur judgment primarily relied on the testimonies of two forensic medical experts. These experts provided insights indicating that Thorsteinn's attack was not only severe but directed at particularly vulnerable areas of his partner's body. The court observed that he must have understood the potential for fatal outcomes given the nature of the assault.

This case has generated substantial public interest, highlighting concerns about domestic violence and the legal system's ability to deliver justice. The differing outcomes between the District Court and Landsréttur exemplify ongoing debates about how domestic crimes are adjudicated in Iceland. As the Supreme Court prepares to review the case, it will be under scrutiny for how it addresses these complex issues and whether it will uphold or modify the previous rulings.