The murder of Adriana Naghei Ostrowska, also known as The Adriana murder (Swedish: Adrianamordet), took place on Sunday, 2 August 2020, when a 12-year-old girl named Adriana Naghei Ostrowska[1] was shot dead in Norsborg, Botkyrka Municipality, Sweden. The incident occurred when Adriana was caught in the crossfire of a gang-related shooting while she was out walking her dog. The case became notorious and a major political debate in Sweden.
During the night leading into Sunday, 2 August, Adriana was in a parking lot between a McDonald’s restaurant and a Shell gas staion when a white Audi car suddenly appeared carrying several perpetrators who opened fire in a drive-by shooting. Police were alerted to the scene at 3:30 am, where Adriana was found with gunshot wounds. She was taken to a hospital, but her life could not be saved.[2][3][4]
According to the subsequent murder investigation, more than 20 shots were fired from three different weapons in a planned attack targeting seven young men at the scene. The intended targets were unharmed, while Adriana was hit by two bullets.[5] The background to the shooting was a gang conflict, and the purpose was reportedly to kill two individuals connected to the so-called Norsborg gang. One of the intended targets is said to have called 112 and attempted to stop Adriana’s bleeding after the shooting.[5][6]
The automatic weapon that caused Adriana’s death had been used two days earlier as a prop in the music video for the song “Blue Cheese” by the gangsta rapper 10an.[7] 10an was later sentenced to four years in prison for aggravated weapons offences.[8]
Reactions
The murder prompted widespread reactions across Swedish society and political leadership, becoming a focal point in discussions on gang violence and public safety.
Political reactions
Senior government officials condemned the killing as a tragic example of the broader surge in gang-related shootings affecting Sweden. Then–Minister of justiceMorgan Johansson labelled the incident an "abhorrent atrocity" and urged the public to assist law enforcement by providing any information that could help identify the perpetrators, emphasising the need for collective responsibility in tackling violent crime.[9]
In addition, then Prime MinisterStefan Löfven referenced the murder in a summer speech later in 2020, expressing both outrage and resolve, stating that “in a stronger society there is no place for gang criminals, mafia bosses and small-time thugs who shatter the lives of ordinary families”.[9]
The Minister of the InteriorMikael Damberg also issued public statements on social media, describing the fatal shooting in Botkyrka as “tragically awful" and reiterated the government’s commitment to increasing efforts against organised crime to prevent such incidents from reoccurring.[9]
Parliamentary and public debate
The killing of Adriana and similar acts of indiscriminate violence entered the broader parliamentary debate on crime policy in Sweden. Opposition parties often cited the case in arguing for tougher law-and-order strategies, including harsher penalties for gang violence and expanded police resources, framing Adriana’s death as emblematic of perceived inadequacies in national crime prevention. These debates have featured prominently in general security discussions and part of electoral campaign rhetoric.[9]
The murder has also been invoked in broader societal debates on public safety and integration, with commentators and lawmakers across the political spectrum highlighting the need to address underlying causes of gang involvement and youth exposure to violent crime. While specific parliamentary motions directly referencing Adriana’s name remain limited in publicly accessible proceedings, her case continues to be referenced in media and advocacy calling for legislative and community-based interventions to reduce gun violence and protect vulnerable populations.[9]
Public response
The murder sparked significant public grief and reflection, with memorials held and extensive media coverage underscoring the human cost of urban gun violence. The life sentences handed down to the convicted perpetrators were seen by many as a measure of justice, though debates persist regarding long-term strategies to prevent similar tragedies.[10]
Three men were charged with murder as well as seven counts of attempted murder relating to the intended targets of the shooting. An additional three men were charged with offences connected to the incident, including attempted murder and aggravated weapons offences.[5][6] The two intended targets were themselves later charged with gang-related attempted murder.[3]
On 26 April 2023, the three defendants were sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Adriana. One of those convicted was 31-year-old Maykil Yokhanna, identified as the gang leader of the May network. The other two men convicted of the murder were 24-year-old Benjamin Mahdi and 32-year-old Hassan Mohammad.[6][11]
The evidence in the case consisted of a large number of circumstantial factors, such as links to the weapons and the vehicle used, the men’s motives, and their communications about the incident in encrypted chats. Their subsequent actions to dispose of the weapons and the car were also significant for the verdict.[6][12]
Following an appeal of the life sentences, the Svea Court of Appeal heard the case on 4 September 2023.[13] In December 2023, the Court of Appeal sentenced two of the men, including Maykil Yokhanna, to life imprisonment, while the third was acquitted. However, the third man was convicted of preparation for murder in another case.[14] In May 2024, the Supreme Court of Sweden decided not to grant leave to appeal, meaning that the Court of Appeal’s judgment stands.[15]
12Åberg, Lisa; Langert, Danielle (14 October 2022). "Tre personer åtalas för mord på 12-åriga Adriana"[Three people charged with the murder of 12-year-old Adriana]. SVT Nyheter (in Swedish). Retrieved 22 May 2023.
↑Anders S (6 November 2021). "Svenska rappare dömda för brott"[Swedish rappers convicted of crimes]. Svenssons Nyheter (in Swedish). Retrieved 3 March 2025.
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