New Details on the Murder in Awan

On April 9, 2024, at 08:09, a report was received about the discovery of the body of a 69-year-old man in one of the houses in the Awan settlement of Aragatsotn Province.

In connection with the incident, a criminal case was initiated at the Aragatsotn Regional Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia under Part 1 of Article 155 of the RA Criminal Code.

As a result of investigative actions and operational-search measures taken by police officers, significant circumstances of the case were clarified, including the identity of the person who committed the apparent crime; he turned out to be a 63-year-old resident of the same settlement.

Hours after the incident, based on reasonable suspicion directly arising from incapacitating a fellow villager, the suspect was arrested by employees of the Ashtarak division of the RA Police and presented to the prosecuting authority.

Several forensic examinations have been appointed to clarify significant circumstances in the criminal proceedings.

During the preliminary investigation, information was obtained indicating that on April 8, 2024, the 63-year-old man visited the victim's home, stayed there until late at night, and they dined together while consuming alcoholic beverages. During this time, a quarrel arose between them, during which the 63-year-old man applied pressure to the 60-year-old man's neck and struck him in the face and head, causing bodily harm.

According to the preliminary conclusion of the forensic expert, the cause of death of the victim was mechanical asphyxia resulting from the pressure on the neck organs.

Based on the facts obtained, the 63-year-old man has been charged under Part 1 of Article 155 of the RA Criminal Code. A petition for the application of arrest as a measure of restraint has been submitted to the court, which has been granted, and the individual has been detained. The investigation is ongoing.