A nighttime explosion shattered the sense of security in a townhouse area in Tumba. A hand grenade was thrown through a bedroom window where a mother and her child were sleeping. Six people are now being prosecuted for the act, which, according to investigators, was ordered as revenge after a drug deal—but ended up targeting the wrong family. The mother was forced to have both of her legs amputated after the attack.
It was just before midnight on April 27, 2025, when the calm in the townhouse area in Tumba was torn apart. A powerful bang echoed between the houses. Windows rattled. Neighbors rushed out into the night. Flames broke out in one of the townhouses.
A hand grenade had been thrown through the ground-floor bedroom window. Inside, a mother and a minor child were sleeping. The grenade detonated in the middle of the room. Seconds later, the residence was on fire. According to senior prosecutor Daniel Insulander, the family had no connection to crime.
Injuries for Life
The woman suffered extensive shrapnel wounds and such severe injuries to her legs that both later had to be amputated. The child sustained large wounds on the legs and a serious comminuted fracture to the shinbone. Other family members were also in the home when the grenade exploded.
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The explosion was followed by a fire that caused extensive property damage. The prosecutor estimates damages to be at least two million kronor.
“I think it’s terrible. It’s awful. This could have happened to anyone, really,” says Daniel Insulander.
The Target Lived Next Door
The investigation points to the perpetrators striking the wrong address. During the rescue operation, a man in his 50s contacted police and stated that the attack was likely aimed at him. Shortly after the explosion, he reportedly received a message via Signal showing a black bomb emoji and a laughing face.
According to the prosecutor, the attack stemmed from a drug dispute traced to a batch of about one kilo of cocaine. When the deal fell through, a debt of half a million kronor arose, according to investigators. The prosecutor also assesses that the incident is linked to the Foxtrot network.
Trip from Skåne – Taxi to the Crime Scene
According to the indictment, the hand grenade was picked up in Skåne and transported to Stockholm. One of the suspects is then said to have taken a taxi to the Tumba area, gotten out some distance from the address, and approached the townhouse on foot.
DNA from one of the accused was allegedly secured from the grenade’s pin found outside the bedroom window. The investigation is also based on surveillance footage, taxi bookings, phone analyses, and chats in encrypted apps.
“Our understanding is that the chat material shows the act was ordered from abroad and that instructions were given to two individuals,” says deputy prosecutor Simon Pittuco.
Six People Indicted
Now, six people of mixed ethnic backgrounds are charged at Södertörn District Court. All, according to previous information, deny the allegations or have not admitted responsibility. The accused are:
Man, 30 – charged as suspected instigator for serious crimes against the Act on Flammable and Explosive Goods, aggravated public destruction, and five counts of instigation to attempted murder. He is alleged to have given instructions from abroad, managed communications, and promised compensation.
Man, 33 – charged with transporting the grenade to the crime scene and participating in the attack. Suspected of aggravated public destruction, five counts of attempted murder, and aggravated explosive offenses.
Man, 30 – charged with planning, logistics, taxi bookings, transport, and contact with other involved parties. Suspected of the same principal crimes.
Man, 15 – charged with supplying the group with the hand grenade and accompanying the perpetrator to the location. Suspected of serious crimes and complicity in attempted murder.
Man, 42 – charged with aiding and abetting and conspiracy after chats regarding arranging a perpetrator and compensation.
Man, 20 – charged with serious crimes against the Act on Flammable and Explosive Goods by handing over the hand grenade.
Also Connected to Previous Explosion
The suspected 30-year-old instigator is also charged for another grenade attack in Skärholmen, south of Stockholm, in April 2025. There, a hand grenade detonated at a residence where two small children were present.
One person has already been convicted as perpetrator in that case. The prosecutor claims the motive there was a personal conflict.
Trial Awaiting
The main hearing at Södertörn District Court is scheduled over several days during May and early June. Plaintiffs, witnesses, experts, and the six defendants are expected to testify.
The prosecution will, among other things, present technical evidence, chat logs, audio files, and analyses of mobile phones.