Video Released of Tragic Murder on Yerevan-Sevan-Ijevan Highway

The Criminal Investigation Department of the RA Investigative Committee is continuing the investigation into the murder of Arsen Afiyan, which occurred near a recreational area located on Yerevanyan Street in Sevan, adjacent to the Yerevan-Sevan-Ijevan highway.

It was previously reported that based on sufficient evidence gathered during the investigation, charges have been brought against two individuals: M.P. for multiple articles of the Armenian Criminal Code, including Article 155, Article 166, Article 167, Article 297, and Article 335, as well as L.B., a 19-year-old, under Article 297. Both individuals have been arrested.

As a result of extensive investigatory and procedural actions during the preliminary investigation, the identity of an additional participant in the hooliganism incident was established; he is D.H., a 39-year-old resident of Tavush Province.

According to the facts obtained during the investigation, on July 17, 2024, at approximately 21:50, Arsen Afiyan, a resident of Gegharkunik Province, and a 42-year-old resident of Abovyan, along with his wife and two others, visited a restaurant within the recreational area on Yerevanyan Street in Sevan, where they intended to dine.

While placing an order with the waiter, a 19-year-old youth, L.B., and a 40-year-old man, M.P., who were at the resort, came out of a cabin and demanded that they not speak loudly. In response to this demand, the 37 and 42-year-old men stated that they were not speaking loudly.

Using this minor pretext, L.B., M.P., D.H., and an unidentified man approached the outdoor area of the restaurant and confronted the two older men. In order to assert their supposed superiority and instill fear among those present, they engaged in a mutual tussle and argument, ignoring the presence of other customers and staff at the resort. During this altercation, insults were exchanged, and both parties struck each other with their hands and feet.

During this time, seeing that the 42-year-old man had drawn a pistol, M.P. pushed him to the ground. Then, having unlawfully seized the firearm, with intent to inflict bodily harm, he fired shots towards the 42-year-old man, causing moderate injuries. Subsequently, he took the man’s pistol and placed it in his waistband.

Afterward, M.P. discharged his weapon at the resort's security staff, causing serious harm that was life-threatening, and subsequently shot at Arsen Afiyan with the intent to kill. Afiyan succumbed to his gunshot wounds in the hospital without regaining consciousness.

The actions disrupted the normal operations of the recreational area, violating the physical and psychological integrity of customers and employees, including minors, leading to feelings of anxiety and fear.

Based on the sufficient evidence collected, public criminal proceedings have been initiated against D.H. under Article 297 of the RA Criminal Code. A motion has been submitted to the court for his detention as a preventative measure, which has been granted. D.H. is currently wanted.

The investigation is ongoing.