Palle Sørensen

Palle Sørensen
Born Palle Mogens Fogde Sørensen
(1927-03-26) 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
Elmer Gert Jeppesen, 24
Aksel Dybdahl Andersen, 28
Gert Søndergaard Harkjær, 24

Henning Skov Hansen, 24
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 live 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 18, 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. 1 2 3 Streader, Peter (February 2013). "Palle Sørensen – Half a lifetime in Prison". The Copenhagen Post. Retrieved September 26, 2015 via Google+.
  2. Anthony, Noel (December 8, 1965). "Continental Diary". The Milwaukee Journal. Retrieved September 26, 2015 via Google.
  3. 1 2 3 Pedersen, Niels (November 19, 2007). "Mordene der rystede Danmark" (in Danish). BT. Retrieved November 1, 2010.
  4. "Politiet får tjenestepistol" (in Danish). TV 2. Retrieved November 1, 2010.


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