New Details on the Murder of a 17-Year-Old from Nor Kharberd

The Investigative Committee of Armenia has reported on the murder of a 17-year-old resident of Nor Kharberd, which occurred on November 8, 2024. The information was provided by the Committee.

As a result of extensive investigative and procedural actions conducted during the pre-trial investigation, significant details related to the incident in which the young man sustained fatal injuries have been uncovered. Specifically, it was determined that on November 8, 2024, tensions arose between S.P., a resident of Nor Kharberd, and another local resident, S.S., due to a personal issue related to electronic communications.

With the intention of clarifying this issue and seeking revenge, S.S. gathered his associates and transported them to a location near the cemetery in the Masis community of Nor Kharberd, where they met with S.P. and three of his friends, including the victim D.P.

Without any opportunity for clarification and displaying a blatant disregard for human life, S.S. and his group attacked S.P. and his friends, delivering blows with their hands and feet. During the scuffle, S.S.'s associate A.G., exhibiting aggressive behavior, began to stab D.P., who had fallen to the ground, with a knife, inflicting life-threatening injuries. The group, including S.S., continued to assault D.P., ultimately leading to his death.

Days after the incident, a relative of one of the participants reported that on the evening of November 12, several vehicles had blocked the path of his Mercedes, forcing him to drive in the opposite direction. He then heard what sounded like a gunshot and later noticed damage on his vehicle.

Additionally, another report was received from the father of one of the accused concerning an incident on the evening of November 11, 2024, where an unknown individual attempted to set fire to his unoccupied house in Nor Kharberd, resulting only in damage to the window.

Separate criminal proceedings have been initiated regarding these reports, which have been combined with the ongoing investigation into the murder case to ensure an objective and comprehensive examination.

During the pre-trial process, numerous investigative and procedural steps were undertaken, including examinations of the crime scene, clothing, video recordings, identification procedures, searches, seizures, and interrogations. In collaboration with the relevant police department, two vehicles associated with the aforementioned incidents were discovered and transferred to a secure location. Efforts are underway to locate the others.

The identities of approximately ten individuals involved in the tragic incident have been established, and their actions have been documented. Active measures are being taken to determine the identities of those who set the house on fire or fired at the vehicle.

A directive has been issued to the relevant division of the Armenian Ministry of Internal Affairs regarding operational and investigative measures. Several expert examinations have been appointed to clarify essential circumstances.

Decisions have been made regarding the implementation of protective measures for the accused, as well as key witnesses in the case. Based on sufficient evidence, public criminal proceedings have been initiated against five individuals involved in the incident at the Nor Kharberd cemetery, and a decision has been made to detain them. Four of the accused have been arrested, and a warrant has been issued for the other.

The investigation is ongoing.