Child killer becomes Lily: Scandinavian prison scandal erupts

Child murderer convicted of killing son and daughter changes legal sex while in prison, now moved to women's prison amid allegations of sexual misconduct and fear among inmates.

A horror story from Sweden’s prisons is drawing international attention after a father who murdered his two children legally changed gender behind bars and was transferred to a women’s prison – where staff and inmates now report fear, discomfort and alleged sexual misconduct.

The Killings

On 23 April 2024, Paulus Abdelshahed took his seven-year-old son and eight-year-old daughter to McDonald’s and Lidl in Södertälje, Sweden, letting them pick treats, sweets and Happy Meals.

That evening, using bags, homemade masks, duct tape, tubes and helium gas, he suffocated his daughter first, then his son. He then attempted to take his own life with medication and a knife.

When the children’s mother returned home, she found curtains drawn, and her husband conscious in bed with their two lifeless children either side of him.

The court found the killings involved «particularly reckless” planning. Abdelshahed had reportedly searched online for «how to kill one’s own children», «die together» and «the most merciful way to take someone’s life». 

In December 2024, Södertälje District Court sentenced the Egyptian national to life imprisonment with deportation upon release. A forensic psychiatric evaluation concluded he suffered no serious mental disorder, reduxx.info reports.

Becoming Lily

Abdelshahed took the first name Lily and, in autumn 2025 at the men’s prison Tidaholm, changed his legal sex to female under Sweden’s new gender recognition legislation (effective 1 July 2025). He was subsequently transferred to Ystad women’s prison in southern Sweden, expressen.se reports.

The court heard that Abdelshahed had been diagnosed with gender dysphoria and identified as female during 2023, living «fully as a woman» for a period, before reverting and entering what medical records described as a severe depressive episode.

Alarm Inside Ystad

Now, five inmates, a former prisoner and several employees have sounded the alarm about problems surrounding Lily Abdelshahed’s placement.

One incident involved a female prisoner with documented PTSD from prior sexual assault, who suffered a violent reaction after seeing Abdelshahed emerge from a cell wearing only a short nightgown. She fled screaming, hit her head, and was logged by staff as exhibiting «inappropriate behaviour».

Another woman, recently released, said: «She doesn’t wear underwear, like the rest of us. When I and others have told staff, we’re told we’re homophobic».

Other allegations include that Abdelshahed has had a sexual relationship with a female inmate, exposing genitalia (described as a functioning penis), and showering young girls with makeup invitations in her cell.

Police reports have been filed concerning sexual harassment, but investigations were dropped without prosecution.

Union Demands Action

Prison workers’ union Seko is demanding action. Central chief safety representative Jimmy Nyberg warned: «This cannot be swept under the carpet. The Prison Act is designed so men and women are kept separate, to protect women’s physical and psychological safety» expressen.se wrote. «Regardless of legal sex, there is a dark figure regarding sexual abuse among inmates».

The union claims staff fear raising concerns internally, worried about disapproval from management. Employees anonymously reported feeling they lack proper tools to manage the situation.

Union section chair Christer Hallqvist noted Ystad prisoners are locked up 12–14 hours per day with cellmates they didn’t choose, making them even more vulnerable. He referenced a similar case involving dismemberment murderer Leonard Höglind (now Leona Svensson), who also changed legal sex twice.

Political Fallout

The case has reignited Sweden’s debate over the gender recognition law enacted 1 July 2025, which made changing legal sex easier.

Christian Democrat politician Christian Carlsson fumed on X: «The new gender-change legislation is twisted and needs to be torn up», expressen.se, writes. Christian Carlsson has always shown lack of support towards the transgender community, he is using this chance, to promote his own narrow minded views. Abdelshahed are taking advantage of the law, Carlsson do not address that, that would not fit his agenda.

Social Democrat justice spokesperson Teresa Carvalho said the situation «defies common sense», adding that politicians want to prevent biological males being housed with women regardless of legal sex.

Prison governor Anders Jansson urges staff to raise concerns, acknowledging: «We navigate essentially by the person’s legal sex. But there are challenges in daily life». 

Broader Question

Expressen’s investigation notes the broader dilemma: how does the Prison Service protect a legally female prisoner while ensuring the safety of women imprisoned and living alongside that person?

As one anonymous employee put it: «No one listens to us», expressen.se reports.

Meanwhile, Lily Abdelshahed, 39, continues serving a life sentence at Ystad women’s prison. She declined to respond to Expressen’s questions.

Sweden’s gender recognition reform of July 2025 was intended to simplify legal transitions. Critics argue this case demonstrates unintended consequences when the law intersects with violent offenders and single-sex facilities, reopening an emotionally charged debate across Scandinavia and beyond.

Sources: Expressen, Expressen, Reduxx