In the Svyatoshynskyi district of Kyiv, a 41-year-old man opened fire with a non-lethal pistol during an altercation outside a shop. A 23-year-old local resident died from his injuries, whilst his 26-year-old friend was injured. According to the investigation, the dispute arose following a remark about the behaviour of one of the young men towards a shop assistant. The incident took place on 24 October, and on 26 October the police informed the suspect that he was under suspicion of murder.
- On 24 October, a fatal shooting took place outside a shop in the Svyatoshynskyi district of Kyiv.
- A 41-year-old man opened fire with a non-lethal pistol following an altercation with two young men.
- A 23-year-old man died at the scene; his 26-year-old friend sustained minor injuries.
- The shooter was arrested and charged with murder. He faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment.
How the conflict broke out outside the shop
According to the Kyiv police, on the day before the incident, one of the two young men had been harassing an acquaintance of the 41-year-old man, who works in a shop. When the man came across the young men, he reprimanded them for their earlier behaviour.
According to the investigation, the young men then started a fight and used a can of pepper spray. After that, the Kyiv resident took out a non-lethal pistol and fired several aimed shots in their direction.
The 23-year-old victim sustained injuries to his chest and abdomen. He died at the scene as a result of his injuries. His 26-year-old companion suffered minor injuries.
A passer-by reported the shooting to the police by calling the 102 emergency number. Patrol officers and an investigative team from the Sviatoshyn Police Department arrived at the scene.
The shooter has been arrested: what does he face?
Law enforcement officers arrested a 41-year-old man from Kyiv at the scene. During a search, they seized a pistol designed to fire rubber bullets, along with ammunition for it.
On 26 October, investigators informed the detainee that he was suspected of an offence under part one Article 115 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — murder.
The penalty provided for under this section is imprisonment for a term of between seven and fifteen years.
The circumstances surrounding the use of weapons and the course of the conflict are established as part of the pre-trial investigation. The final legal assessment of the suspect’s actions must be made by the court.
