Second Person Arrested in the Pemzashen Case: One of Them Has Mental Health Issues

The investigation into the murder of a 31-year-old resident of the village of Pemzashen and her two children continues at the Shirak Regional Investigative Department of the RA Investigative Committee, as reported by the Investigative Committee of Armenia.

Joint measures undertaken with the RA Police, the RA Prosecutor's Office, and staff of the National Security Service, along with studies conducted by the departments of forensic genetic, forensic medical, and biotechnological expertise of the RA Ministry of Justice, have uncovered several circumstances of significant importance, including the motive and the identity of another individual suspected of committing the crime, who is a relative of the 32-year-old man arrested days ago, aged 41.

Specifically, factual data have been obtained in the investigation indicating that a 32-year-old resident of the Shirak region, suffering from “emotional disturbance with suicidal thoughts,” met with his relative, a 41-year-old resident of the same locality, on November 8, 2022, around 9:00 PM. During the meeting, learning of the possible presence of money at the house of the 31-year-old Pemzashen resident, they agreed to illegally enter her home and steal the money. Subsequently, on the same day, they unlawfully entered her house, taking advantage of the open entrance door.

Upon learning from the homeowner that there was no money in the house, in order to conceal the crimes they had committed, they first tied her up and then, with separate brutality, killed the woman. Afterward, the 32-year-old man, aiming to hide the committed crimes and with intent to unlawfully deprive the children of their lives, tied the hands and feet of the children and inflicted multiple stab wounds on various parts of their bodies using a kitchen knife, resulting in injuries inconsistent with life.

Based on a combination of sufficient evidence, the 32-year-old man has been charged under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia, Article 155, Part 2, Points 6, 8, and 13, Article 155, Part 2, Points 3, 5, 6, and 13 (in two episodes), Article 252, Part 3, Point 2, and Article 198, Part 4, while his 41-year-old relative faces charges under Article 155, Part 2, Points 8 and 13, and Article 252, Part 3, Point 2. A motion has been submitted to the court to apply detention as a preventive measure against them, which has been granted. The investigation continues.