The woman was found dead in her home in Katrineholm municipality in January this year. The man, who was known to the victim, was arrested shortly afterwards after being taken into custody to fill another position.
The verdict in Nyköping District Court states that he beat the woman to death with a square ornamental stone. The murder took place on the perpetrator's birthday.
The man denies murder and has claimed during questioning that he acted in self-defense, using only his hands.
He is also acquitted of attempted aggravated arson, for which he was also charged.
