Attempted Murder Case of Two Individuals Disclosed in Vanadzor. One Arrested

The investigation into the attempted murder case that occurred in Vanadzor has been resolved following extensive investigative and procedural actions undertaken by the Special Investigative Service of the Republic of Armenia.

On March 24, 2020, a report was received regarding gunfire directed at two residents of Vanadzor around 7:30 PM at the intersection of Nersisyan and Arapinya streets. As a result, one individual sustained multiple fractures to the left shoulder blade, non-penetrating gunshot wounds to the head, back of the chest, left shoulder joint, and rear of the neck, while the other suffered penetrating gunshot injuries to the chest and abdomen, along with a fracture of the left radius resulting in bodily harm.

A criminal case was initiated under Article 34-104 (attempted murder) of the RA Criminal Code's second part, point 1, and Article 235 (illegally acquiring, selling, storing, transporting, or carrying weapons, military supplies, explosives, or explosive devices) of the first part at the Lori Regional Investigative Department of the RA Investigative Committee, with further investigation continuing at the main department for particularly important cases.

During the preliminary investigation, several circumstances surrounding the incident were identified, including the identity of the alleged perpetrator, a 34-year-old resident of Vanadzor. Facts were gathered indicating that he, along with acquaintances whose identities remain unknown, had met with three other residents of the city and their friends at a car wash near the intersection on March 24, 2020, around 7:30 PM, following a pre-arranged agreement, resulting in a dispute.

During the argument, the accused intentionally fired shots from a 20mm caliber smoothbore hunting rifle at the group with the intention of unlawfully taking their lives in a manner dangerous to many, thus endangering the lives of those present. As a result of the gunfire, one person suffered moderate injury with lasting health deterioration, while another faced life-threatening severe harm. The accused did not complete the crime due to unforeseen circumstances, as both victims were transported to the Vanadzor Medical Center and received appropriate medical aid.

During the investigation, the individual suspected of committing the alleged crime voluntarily presented himself to the investigative body and provided testimony. He has been charged under Article 34-104 (attempted murder) of the RA Criminal Code's second part, points 1 and 6. A motion has been submitted to the court to reaffirm his detention as a preventive measure, which was granted. The investigation is ongoing.