The prelude to the atrocity that led to the death of Svavar was that Svavar and Lóa, his common-law wife, had been out partying the night before the horrific event. Thráinn Hleinar Kristjánsson had also done so, along with his friend Margrét. Svavar and Lóa had been at Hotel Esja, while Thráinn and Margrét were at Hotel Borg. The people had all had alcohol on hand that evening.

Svavar and Lóa had come home shortly after Þrán and Margrét. The two apartments were on the same floor and there was a shared bathroom on the floor. After Svavar and Lóa came home, Svavar had a drink, but Lóa went to the bathroom. When she came out, she met Þrán and they started talking. Svavar then came out and accused Lóa and Þrán of having a date in the bathroom. Some exchange of words followed, but eventually Lóa went into Svavar's apartment and went to sleep. Svavar followed her shortly after and fell asleep. Þrán and Margrét, however, stayed awake and did not sleep at all night.