September 12, 2024

A "Veteran" Killer and a Father's Tears


A "Veteran" Killer and a Father's Tears
Vladimir Alexandrov (left, face blurred) detained at a police station. 66 RU | Novosty iz Yekaterinburga, Telegram.

On August 31, a former convict who fought in Russia's War on Ukraine raped and killed an 11-year-old girl in Nizhny Tagil. On September 5, it was revealed that the victim's father was arrested for allegedly trying to stab him.

On August 31, Anastasia Yakina went missing in Nizhny Tagil. A few days later, her body was found in the flooded basement of a house. The girl presented signs of suffocation and traces of blood. Her hand was partially gnawed off. The killer was quickly identified as Vladimir Alexandrov, a family acquaintance and former convict drafted to fight in Russia's War on Ukraine.

Alexandrov lived in the building next door. The day before Anastasia disappeared, Alexandrov called her father, Alexander Yakin, to "eat meat." On August 31, he kidnapped the girl from her room. Days later, traces of blood were found in Alexandrov's apartment. The 40-year-old was caught in Moscow trying to go to back the front. He was sent to a pretrial detention center and plead guilty to murdering and raping a minor.

According to Vazhnye Istory, Alexandrov had several previous convictions. From 2002 to 2013, he was sentenced for hooliganism, death threats, assault, robbery, armed robbery, and involving minors in a crime. In 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine, Alexandrov was in prison. It is unknown when his prison term was supposed to expire.

When police raided Alexandrov's apartment, they found a military uniform with a patch reading, in English, "Our business is death, and business is going well." Wagner Group mercenaries usually wear such emblems, suggesting the killer might have fought alongside them in Ukraine. 

On September 5, 66.RU revealed that Anastasia's father arrived with a knife at an investigation site where the murderer was present and that police arrested him. Anastasia's father denied attacking Alexandrov. According to him, he "came to the yard," where the police confiscated his knife, put him in a car, and handcuffed him. Regardless, he spent the night in jail and was released in the morning.

Alexandrov is part of a concerning trend of prisoners and former convicts serving in the war and committing more crimes when they return. According to Vazhnye Istory, Alexandrov wants to return to the front to escape his sentence. Yakin has asked that Alexandrov be forbidden from returning to the front. 

On September 5, after the first court hearing on his daughter's murder, Anastasia's father broke down in tears, saying, "The daughter I had was the best. She studied well. I can't speak anymore. She was the best child I had."

You Might Also Like

  • February 10, 2024

"I Breathed a Sigh of Relief"

The war has increased cases of domestic abuse, yet in one instance things went in an entirely different direction.
Returning Home to Kill
  • April 29, 2024

Returning Home to Kill

More than 100 persons have been killed by returning Russian soldiers since the beginning of Russia's War on Ukraine.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals
[INVALID]
[INVALID]

Some of our Books

The Little Humpbacked Horse
November 03, 2014

The Little Humpbacked Horse

A beloved Russian classic about a resourceful Russian peasant, Vanya, and his miracle-working horse, who together undergo various trials, exploits and adventures at the whim of a laughable tsar, told in rich, narrative poetry.

At the Circus
January 01, 2013

At the Circus

This wonderful novella by Alexander Kuprin tells the story of the wrestler Arbuzov and his battle against a renowned American wrestler. Rich in detail and characterization, At the Circus brims with excitement and life. You can smell the sawdust in the big top, see the vivid and colorful characters, sense the tension build as Arbuzov readies to face off against the American.

Fish
February 01, 2010

Fish

This mesmerizing novel from one of Russia’s most important modern authors traces the life journey of a selfless Russian everywoman. In the wake of the Soviet breakup, inexorable forces drag Vera across the breadth of the Russian empire. Facing a relentless onslaught of human and social trials, she swims against the current of life, countering adversity and pain with compassion and hope, in many ways personifying Mother Russia’s torment and resilience amid the Soviet disintegration.

Steppe
July 15, 2022

Steppe

This is the work that made Chekhov, launching his career as a writer and playwright of national and international renown. Retranslated and updated, this new bilingual edition is a super way to improve your Russian.

The Latchkey Murders
July 01, 2015

The Latchkey Murders

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin is back on the case in this prequel to the popular mystery Murder at the Dacha, in which a serial killer is on the loose in Khrushchev’s Moscow...

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

Life Stories
September 01, 2009

Life Stories

The Life Stories collection is a nice introduction to contemporary Russian fiction: many of the 19 authors featured here have won major Russian literary prizes and/or become bestsellers. These are life-affirming stories of love, family, hope, rebirth, mystery and imagination, masterfully translated by some of the best Russian-English translators working today. The selections reassert the power of Russian literature to affect readers of all cultures in profound and lasting ways. Best of all, 100% of the profits from the sale of this book are going to benefit Russian hospice—not-for-profit care for fellow human beings who are nearing the end of their own life stories.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955