Husband Charged with Killing Wife on His Birthday After Argument About 44-Day War

In the Ararat region, a husband is accused of killing his wife on his birthday. According to Tert.am, Armen Shahbazyan has been charged with intentionally causing the death of his wife, Gayane Tovmasyan, during an argument that erupted around 11:00 PM on June 21, 2022, at their home in the village of Nor Kharberd, Ararat region. He allegedly delivered multiple violent blows with his fists, elbows, and feet to her head and face, unlawfully taking her life.

The incident was preceded by a birthday celebration on June 21, 2022, attended by Armen Shahbazyan, his sons Arman, Aghabek, and Karen Shahbazyan, neighbor Lusine Hovsepyan, and two colleagues at their address in No. 82/2, 29th Street, Nor Kharberd community. At around 11:00 PM, under the influence of alcoholic beverages, a discussion arose regarding soldiers who had left the battlefield during the 44-day war waged by Azerbaijan against Armenia and Artsakh, which began on September 27, 2020.

Being a participant in the 44-day war, Karen Shahbazyan was offended by some comments made, and brandished a knife against ArsenBaghdasaryan during the argument. Arman Shahbazyan intervened and attempted to take the knife from Karen, resulting in an injury to Arman's left hand.

After the guests had departed, Armen Shahbazyan got into an argument in the bedroom about the knife injury to his son, Arman, with his younger son, Karen. During this dispute, Karen made erratic movements while holding the knife. Armen Shahbazyan took the knife from his son, closed the blade, and then struck Karen Shahbazyan multiple times with the knife handle and his fists to various parts of his head and body.

The commotion woke Gayane Tovmasyan from her sleep, and she tried to protect her son from her husband. During this struggle, their son left the house, and Armen Shahbazyan, unlawfully and intentionally, struck Gayane Tovmasyan multiple severe blows with his fists, feet, and elbow to her vital organs, unlawfully taking her life.

He has been charged with murder, and a measure of pre-trial detention has been selected.