Arrests Made in Karakert Nightclub Murder Case, Investigative Committee Reports

The Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia has reported that a series of urgent actions in the Armavir Regional Investigative Department have unveiled the circumstances surrounding a murder that occurred hours prior at a nightclub.

On July 3, 2023, at 05:26, the police department of Armavir received a report that three residents of Karakert village had been admitted to the Armavir Medical Center with stab wounds, one of whom later died in the hospital.

Earlier that day, around 02:30, a report was received from the director of the nightclub in Karakert, stating that a dispute had broken out between customers at the club, escalating into a fight.

Based on the facts, a criminal case has been initiated under Article 155, Part 1, Article 166, Part 1, Clause 1, and Article 297, Part 2, Clause 1 and Clause 3 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia.

During the investigation, significant circumstances relevant to the case have been clarified, including identifying participants in the incident and the possible perpetrators, as well as the motives.

Preliminary data indicates that on the mentioned day, a dispute over domestic matters arose among club attendees—four residents of Karakert and two residents of Arteni village in Aragatsotn Province. The individuals involved exchanged blows, during which a 23-year-old resident of Arteni stabbed one of the Karakert residents, resulting in his death in the hospital.

On the same day, a report was also received from the mentioned 23-year-old resident of Arteni, alleging that one of the disputants had attacked him with a baton, while others had struck him with their hands and feet. In response, he used a folding knife to inflict injuries on those assaulting him.

In light of these circumstances, with a decision from the prosecuting authority, a criminal case has been opened under Article 195, Part 2, Subclause 5 of the Criminal Code, and to ensure an objective and comprehensive investigation, it has been linked to the criminal proceedings initiated for murder, physical harm, and significant health damage.

Three individuals have been detained, including the aforementioned 23-year-old, suspected under Article 155, Part 1 and Article 166, Part 1, Clause 1. Another is suspected under Article 297, Part 2, Clause 1, and the third under Article 297, Part 3.

The scene has been examined, with samples taken, seizures made, and forensic medical examinations assigned to determine the nature of the injuries, their severity, mechanism of occurrence, and several other factors. The investigation is ongoing.