A suspect in the murder of LGBTQ activist Yelena Grigoryeva is in custody.
Earlier this week, Grigoryeva was found dead in bushes near her home. This was after the activist’s name was included on a website inspired by the horror film Saw. The website, which was later taken down by the Russian government, asked for Russian citizens to hunt down the LGBTQ people named in a database.
Thankfully though, police say they have arrested a suspect in the case. According to Radio Free Europe, a 38-year-old Kyrgyz-born man living in St. Petersburg has been placed under the custody of the Russian Investigative Committee. Police also say that he was a personal acquaintance.
“As a result of materials collected by investigators about the deceased woman, it has been established that she led an asocial lifestyle, repeatedly drinking alcoholic beverages with various people, including the suspect,” investigators said in a statement.
More information about the murder also came through. It was revealed that the man, whose identity wasn’t released, killed Grigoryeva during a drunken altercation. Apparently, there was no political motive. In addition, the man killed the activist through strangulation and stabbing her in the back and face.
Police have not found a tie between the murder and the Saw-inspired website, despite the multiple death threats sent online after her name was added to the list. The authorities are currently interrogating the suspect to find more info before charging. These investigations also found that the suspect attacked and stole from another associated in earlier in the month.
As the investigation continues, the U.S. Embassy in Russia has asked the authorities to be as thorough as possible.
“We express deep condolences to the family and friends of Elena Grigorieva in connection with her murder,” wrote the Embassay’s official account on Twitter.
“Elena Grigorieva was a brave defender of rights, the LGBTQ community and various civil initiatives. We call on Russian authorities to conduct a thorough and objective investigation.”
