Drunk Man Shoots and Kills Father-in-Law in Yerevan: Investigative Committee Reports

The investigation into the murder of a 49-year-old resident of Yerevan on March 19, 2020, on Ekmalyan Street, has been completed by the Yerevan Investigation Department of the RA Investigative Committee.

The extensive investigation revealed through obtained evidence that on the day of the incident, a 35-year-old resident of Yerevan, being in a state of alcohol intoxication, had an argument with his wife’s father, who was visiting their home over personal matters.

Carried away by the mania of emphasizing his superiority, he left the apartment and deliberately fired an erratic burst from an illegally obtained “AK-74” assault rifle towards the street, showing disrespect for society and disturbing the public peace, thus creating a real danger to the life and health of the surrounding residents at a late hour.

After descending to the first floor of the building, he also fired shots towards the entrance door, causing damage to it.

Continuing his criminal actions, provoked by insults from his father-in-law, he intentionally sought to take the latter's life. He went back to the entrance of his apartment, knocked on the door, and then, after stepping back and positioning himself, aimed the rifle at the entrance door. When his wife’s father opened the door, realizing that there might be other individuals present in the apartment and the imminent danger to their lives due to his actions, he unleashed gunfire towards vital organs of his father-in-law, inflicting injuries incompatible with life and resulting in his death.

During the examination of the crime scene, law enforcement discovered an “MP-654K” air pistol, which is classified as a firearm, along with one round each of 5.45mm and 7.62mm ammunition, which are considered military ammunition, in the 35-year-old man’s apartment.

Based on sufficient evidence, the suspect has been charged under several articles of the Criminal Code of the RA: part 2 of Article 155, points 7 and 9, part 1 of Article 335, and part 3 of Article 297. The incidents concerning murder and hooliganism with the use of a weapon have been separated into a distinct proceeding, and it has been announced that the pre-investigation stage has concluded. The prosecutor has confirmed the indictment, and the materials of the case have been sent to court.

The investigation regarding the illegal acquisition, storage, and carrying of firearms and ammunition continues, with necessary measures being taken to clarify the source of the weapon's acquisition.