French Tourist Arrested After Two Found Dead in Iceland Hotel

Newsweek

15-06-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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A French tourist in her 60s was arrested and hospitalized in Iceland after two people were found dead at a luxury hotel in central Reykjavík, Icelandic news outlet RÚV reported over the weekend.
While authorities have not released the names or confirmed the specific relationships among those involved, RÚV reports that the deceased were the woman's husband and daughter.
The group was reportedly due to depart Iceland on Saturday, the outlet reported.
The Context
The double homicide has drawn attention both in Iceland and internationally due to the nation's reputation as one of the world's safest countries.
Iceland has one of the lowest murder rates in Europe, with only two recorded homicides in all of 2021, according to data from Statista.
Iceland attracts millions of tourists each year, seeing over 2.3 million visitors in 2024, with 90 percent going to Reykjavík, Iceland's capital, according to the Icelandic Tourist Board.
What To Know
The Metropolitan Police in Reykjavík received a call early Saturday morning regarding an incident at the Edition Hotel, the release from the department said.
Emergency services, including four ambulances and a firetruck, responded after the call at 7:14 a.m. local time, with police sealing off a hotel floor during the response, Iceland Monitor reported.
Other hotel guests were told to stay in their rooms while authorities responded to the incident.
A man and woman were found on the fourth floor with multiple injuries, reportedly including stab wounds, the release said.
A woman in her 60s was found alive but hospitalized with injuries considered non-life threatening, Deputy Chief Inspector Ævar Pálmi Pálmason told mbl.is.
People are seen in Reykjavik, Iceland, on June 1, 2024.
People are seen in Reykjavik, Iceland, on June 1, 2024.
Getty
What People Are Saying
Reykjavík police officer Ævar Pálmi Pálmason told news outlet RUV: "There will be a further investigation that will reveal what kind of injuries are involved."
Helena Rós Sturludóttir, Iceland National Police spokesperson, told Iceland Monitor: "The special unit was called in to assist local police and that a considerable response effort took place."
What Happens Next
The woman remains in custody while police continue its investigation.
Authorities have not indicated when further information will be released but stated that more details are expected as the inquiry progresses and forensic analysis is completed.
The court set the next custody hearing for June 20, the police press release said.