Murder of IDPs in Rivne region: Prosecutors comment on death of 72-year-old suspect in detention
This was reported to an Ukrinform correspondent by Oksana Zhuzhelska, spokesperson for the Rivne Regional Prosecutor’s Office.
“Yes, he had health problems. But while in detention, medical examinations were conducted, and the suspect was provided with the necessary care,” the spokesperson said.
Regarding a psychiatric evaluation, Zhuzhelska added that it was planned but had not yet been carried out.
She also explained that, so far, no relatives of the suspect have requested continuation of the investigation.
Rivne police report that during the inspection of the scene of the suspect’s death, no evidence of violent circumstances was found.
As previously reported by Ukrinform, the 72-year-old suspect in the Sudovychi killings died in pre-trial detention. He fell ill on the evening of Friday, February 27, 2026. According to forensic examination, the cause of death was acute cardiovascular failure.
Under the Ukrainian Criminal Procedure Code, in the event of a suspect’s death, criminal proceedings are closed by the prosecutor’s order. However, if close relatives insist on the suspect’s innocence, the case can continue for posthumous rehabilitation.
In Sudovychi, Rivne region, a 72-year-old man killed five people living in a displaced persons’ residence. All five victims were buried in Sudovychi Cemetery on February 13.
