Man Fires 7 Shots in Presence of Numerous Bystanders with Intent to Commit Murder

The investigation into a murder attempt case has been completed by the Lori Regional Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee in Stepanavan. As a result of investigative and other procedural actions, significant circumstances of the incident have been established, including the motive behind the crime.

The investigation revealed and substantiated that a 53-year-old resident of Vanadzor learned about tense relationships between his son and two fellow townsmen, and decided to take revenge on them. In order to carry out his criminal intent, on August 14, 2019, at approximately 19:00, knowing the whereabouts of individuals with whom his son had tense relations, he took with him an illegally acquired firearm, a pistol, and went to the vicinity of the “Argishti” hotel in Vanadzor.

There, with the intent to unlawfully deprive them of life, in a manner dangerous to many lives, he fired 7 shots in the direction of these individuals in the presence of numerous bystanders. As a result of the shots fired, one of them sustained life-threatening severe injuries—a penetrating gunshot wound to the left side of the abdomen, damaging the left kidney and spleen—while the other managed to escape.

Based on the combination of sufficient evidence obtained, charges have been brought against the 53-year-old man under Articles 34-104, Part 2, Points 1 and 6, and Article 235, Part 1 of the RA Criminal Code, and preventive detention has been chosen as a measure of restraint. The investigation has been completed, and the criminal case has been forwarded to the prosecutor supervising the case with a motion to confirm the indictment and send it to court.

Notice: The suspect or accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedure established by the RA Criminal Procedure Code and by a legally binding court sentence.