Man Who Stabbed Aunt in the Neck Suffers from Mental Illness, Says Investigative Committee

On August 24, 2024, a report was received from a citizen regarding an elderly neighbor sustaining injuries. That same day, at 21:08, a report was also received from the "Saint Gregory the Illuminator" Medical Center stating that an 85-year-old woman had been transferred to them with a neck wound just moments earlier, in critical condition.

In connection with the incident, the Investigative Committee of Armenia has initiated a criminal case under the first part of Article 44-155 of the Criminal Code in the Avan and Nor Nork administrative divisions of Yerevan. The preliminary investigation has been assigned to a specialized investigative group.

During the preliminary investigation, an examination was conducted at the woman's residence on Nansen Street and the adjacent area, where traces of blood and a knife with blood-like stains on the blade were discovered. Witnesses were questioned, and numerous expert examinations were ordered.

The investigation revealed that a 45-year-old man, the son of the injured woman's brother, stabbed his aunt in the neck with a folding knife during a domestic dispute with intent to kill. On the same day at 21:40, this relative of the injured woman was presented to the prosecuting body and was arrested based on immediate and reasonable grounds for suspicion of committing the crime.

It was determined that on the day of the incident, around 20:00, the 85-year-old woman managed to reach her neighbor's door in a bloodied state after sustaining the injury, knocking on the door to inform that her brother's son had harmed her.

Her life was saved as a result of being taken to the hospital and receiving the necessary medical attention. Based on the evidence gathered, the 45-year-old man has been charged under the first part of Article 44-155 of the Armenian Criminal Code.

During the investigation, information emerged indicating that he suffers from a certain mental illness and has received treatment at various psychiatric hospitals. As of November 15, 2023, he was recognized as competent and had been living with his aunt since then.

Considering the possibility of his mental illness and the threat he may pose to the public, the prosecuting body has filed a motion with the court to impose medical supervision by keeping him at a specialized center as a security measure.

The preliminary investigation is ongoing.

Notice: The accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court's legally binding judgment in accordance with the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code of Armenia.