One Murdered, Two Others Attempted: New Details

The investigation into the murder of a 28-year-old individual in the Vostan community of the Ararat region and the attempted murder of two other residents has concluded.

Based on diverse evidence collected by the investigative department of the Ararat region of the RA Investigative Committee, it has been established that on May 16, 2024, around 20:00, a 29-year-old resident of Vostan, in a bread production facility in Artashat city, met a 24-year-old resident from the Artashat community. The latter initiated a verbal altercation over a trivial matter concerning greetings, during which he, fueled by the delusion of his supposed superiority, suggested they meet elsewhere.

Following this, the young men left in their vehicles, a "Vaz 2106" and a "Vaz 2121," heading towards Vostan. Later that night, between 22:00 and 23:00, the 29-year-old, accompanied by his 36-year-old cousin and several others, armed with various weapons, went to a graveyard near Vostan to clarify the prior incident.

At the scene, the 24-year-old resident openly loaded a hunting shotgun, which was illegally possessed, and aimed it at the head and chest of the 29-year-old with the direct intent to kill him. He fired from a distance of 4-5 meters; however, due to circumstances beyond his control, the crime was not completed as the victim instinctively dodged, causing the bullet fragments to hit his hand and result in minor injury.

Subsequently, a 28-year-old participant in the altercation struck the 24-year-old with a wooden bat in an attempt to fulfill the intent to kill the 29-year-old. The 24-year-old then reloaded the shotgun and fired again at the 29-year-old and his cousin but missed.

During this time, the 36-year-old, possessing an illegally held "PM" model Makrov pistol, fired twice at the 24-year-old and then at his 28-year-old friend, attempting to kill them. These actions resulted in fatal injuries to the 28-year-old and serious bodily harm to the 24-year-old.

Based on sufficient evidence, charges were brought against the 36-year-old under Article 155, part 1, Article 44-155, part 1, and Article 335, part 1 of the RA Criminal Code. The 24-year-old was charged under Article 44-155, part 2, points 7, 8, and 12, and under Article 334, part 1. Detention was applied as a preventive measure for both individuals.

A decision was made not to pursue public criminal prosecution against the 24-year-old concerning the attempted murder of the 29-year-old based on his death.

The investigation has been completed for these two defendants, and the case materials, with an accusatory conclusion, have been sent to court. Investigations concerning the other individuals are ongoing.