Palle Sørensen
| Palle Sørensen | |
|---|---|
| Born |
Palle Mogens Fogde Sørensen March 26, 1927 |
| Residence | Valby, Denmark |
| Nationality | Denmark |
| Occupation | Burglar |
| Known for | Murdering four policemen |
| Criminal charge | Murder |
| Criminal penalty | Life |
| Criminal status | On parole |
| Motive | Escaping arrest |
| Conviction(s) | Guilty |
| Partner(s) | Norman Lee Bune |
Time at large | Two days |
| Killings | |
| Victims |
4 |
| Date | September 17, 1965 |
| Country | Denmark |
| Weapons | Browning P35 |
Date apprehended | September 20, 1965 |
Palle Mogens Fogde Sørensen (born March 26, 1927) is a former small-time criminal who shot and killed four police officers on his way home after a break-in.
Early life
In 1949, fresh out of juvenile detention, Sørensen went to the Dansk Arbejdsmandforbund, where he blew a safe and robbed 130,000 kr, which he spent.[1]
He then committed several burglaries and insurance fraud, which landed him in prison
He was described in a 1958 article, where were described his skills with cracking safes.[1]
He attempted to lead an honest life by making aerials for the army but, in 1964, met Norman Lee Bune, a former cellmate, and proceeded to commit several break-ins.
Shootings
On September 17, 1965, Sørensen and Bune were caught robbing an underkaher's house, and police was then called; during the chase, Sørensen took his Browning P35 and shot four policemen.
After a huge search operation he turned himself in two days later, commenting "[he] made the mistake of [his] life.[2]"
Sentence
He was sentenced to life imprisonment on August 24, 1966.[3]
Despite being a peaceful prisoner, Copenhagen-born Sørensen was considered the most dangerous convict in Denmark for many years,[3] and police unions pressured the authorities with not giving him parole nor pardon.
He was granted parole after 32 years and eight months in prison – the longest time anyone has served in a Danish prison in modern history.[3]
Legacy
Palle Sørensen's crime eventually led to Danish police arming themselves with guns;[4] the shot officers were given State funerals.[1]
The slogan of "4–0" has become a provocative outcry of anti-police demonstrators.
References
- 1 2 3 Streader, Peter (February 2013). "Palle Sørensen – Half a lifetime in Prison". The Copenhagen Post. Retrieved September 26, 2015 – via Google+.
- ↑ Anthony, Noel (December 8, 1965). "Continental Diary". The Milwaukee Journal. Retrieved September 26, 2015 – via Google.
- 1 2 3 Pedersen, Niels (November 19, 2007). "Mordene der rystede Danmark" (in Danish). BT. Retrieved November 1, 2010.
- ↑ "Politiet får tjenestepistol" (in Danish). TV 2. Retrieved November 1, 2010.