Motive for Murder of 32-Year-Old Man was Revenge: Details Revealed

As previously reported by the Investigative Committee of Armenia, on August 30, 2024, 32-year-old Mnatsakan Harutyunyan was transported by relatives to the "Vedi Medical Center" from a house on Makui Street in Aygevan, Ararat Province, with multiple stab wounds; however, he arrived at the medical facility already deceased.

In connection with the incident, the Vedi Investigation Department of the Ararat regional investigative office has initiated a criminal case under part 1 of Article 155 of the RA Criminal Code (murder).

During the examination of the crime scene, blood-like traces were found on the ground and garage doors, a black cap, and other items. Additionally, a knife, presumed to be the weapon of the crime, was discovered under a tree at a certain distance from the crime scene, which also had blood-like traces on it.

Immediate measures were taken to clarify the circumstances of the incident and to identify the person (or persons) who committed the crime. A directive was issued to the relevant department of the RA Ministry of Internal Affairs to conduct operational-search activities.

As a result of the measures taken, on August 30, a 29-year-old man residing in the same locality but living in Yerevan was apprehended on suspicion of committing the aforementioned crime.

The investigation revealed that he had been in the vicinity of Harutyunyan's residence on the evening of August 29 with the intent of avenging Harutyunyan. At approximately 23:50, Harutyunyan arrived at his house on Makui Street in Aygevan driving a "Vaz-2115" vehicle. The 29-year-old emerged from his hiding place and, armed with a pre-obtained knife, inflicted numerous brutal stab wounds to Harutyunyan’s chest, neck, and other vital areas of his body.

As a result, Harutyunyan sustained injuries incompatible with life, including penetrating stab wounds to the left side of the chest and the neck. After leaving the victim in a helpless state on the ground, the assailant fled the scene.

Based on the gathered evidence, the 29-year-old has been charged under part 2, point 6 of Article 155 of the RA Criminal Code. A motion has been filed with the court to impose pretrial detention as a measure of restraint, which has been granted. The investigation is ongoing.

Notice: The accused is considered innocent until proven guilty by a legally binding court decision in accordance with the established procedure of the RA Criminal Procedure Code.