A former convict charged with killing six people in a shooting spree in downtown Belgorod this month is expected to undergo at least two psychiatric examinations.
The suspect, Sergei Pomazun, will be examined by local doctors and then probably sent for further tests at the respected Serbsky Institute for Social and Forensic Psychiatry in Moscow, Interfax reported, citing an unidentified official close to the investigation.
"A long and comprehensive examination in a hospital is required," the official said, adding that the testing would last at least a month.
Pomazun's 55-year-old father has told investigators that his son had been acting aggressively recently and had attacked both of his parents, causing minor injuries.
But investigators believe that Pomazun, 32, is mentally fit.
Pomazun is accused of opening fire in a gunshop where sales staff refused to sell him a firearm on April 22, killing three. The gunman then went outside and shot dead three passersby, including a 14-year-old girl and a 16-year-old girl.
Pomazun was captured on the night of April 23 at a train station in Belgorod after an extensive manhunt involving thousands of Russian and Ukrainian police. Belgorod is located just north of the Ukrainian border.
Pomazun put up armed resistance, wounding a police officer with a knife during his arrest.
Pomazun faces up to life in prison on murder charges. He also faces charges of stealing weapons and ammunition, the use of stolen weapons to inflict injury, and assault on a police office.
Pomazun was released from prison last year after serving four years for theft and assaulting police.
Related articles:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
