Hotel Staff Recount 'Horrific Scenes' in Reykjavik Murder Trial

Hotel staff at the Edition Hotel in Reykjavik recounted harrowing details in court today about the discovery of a mother and son found dead in their room last summer. The trial began for Ming Ting Mancel, accused of murdering her daughter, Catherine, and her husband, Emeric, who were both found deceased in the hotel room on June 14 of the previous year.

The hotel manager, a staff member, and a security guard each testified about the events leading up to the discovery. It began with a call to the reception from the family's fourth-floor room, where a woman requested police and ambulance assistance without further explanation. The manager contacted emergency services and proceeded to the room with a hotel staff member.

Upon arrival, the woman answered the door, appearing injured and disoriented. Inside the room, chaos and significant blood were evident. The staff member testified that when he returned after seeking towels, he asked what had happened, and the woman responded, "I killed them."

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Ég drap þau.

The security guard reported seeing Emeric Mancel's body on the floor and was later told by Ming that another body was on the bed. Ming, who speaks limited English and used a court interpreter, claimed in court that she made the "I killed them" statement to elicit a reaction from the staff, as she felt they did not understand her. She stated it was not a confession but an attempt to make them comprehend her situation. The security guard also noted that the woman mentioned attempting suicide but lacked the strength to do so, appearing confused and in shock.

The trial is set to continue next week with further witness testimonies.

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Hún hafði virst ringlaða og í áfalli.