Charges Filed Against 3 Individuals in Case of Murder of 2 People in Gavarr

The investigation by the Investigative Committee of Armenia into the murder of two individuals and the attempted murder of six others in Gavarr on April 28, 2020, has concluded its preliminary inquiry regarding the separated part of the criminal case.

Following extensive investigative and procedural actions, as well as operations carried out in cooperation with the staff of the Police of Armenia, the circumstances, motives, and actions of individuals involved in the armed incident that took place in Gavarr have been clarified and qualified legally.

The investigation revealed and substantiated that days before the incident, on March 23, 2020, around 18:00, a resident of Gavarr, an 18-year-old youth at the time, along with a group of individuals, assaulted an 18-year-old resident of Noratus village during their attempt to resolve previously existing disputes, causing life-threatening injuries to the victim.

Seeking revenge for the beating, the young man's father, together with relatives, villagers, supporters, and unidentified individuals, unlawfully acquired firearms. On April 28, 2020, around 17:00, they confronted the armed uncle of the young man who was attacked in Freedom Street of Gavarr, which led to a gunfight.

As a result, two individuals sustained life-threatening injuries, while another six suffered various degrees of bodily harm. Based on sufficient evidence collected, charges have been brought against the uncle of the 18-year-old, for murder and illegal possession of firearms, and against the father and relative of the assailant from Noratus for attempted murder and illegal possession of firearms.

The preliminary investigation has been completed, and the criminal case with the accusatory conclusion has been sent to the prosecutor responsible for overseeing the legality of the preliminary investigation. The investigation concerning the unidentified individuals involved in the case is still ongoing.