Soldier charged with Gyumri mass murder to undergo psych evaluation

Russian soldier Valery Permyakov charged with murdering a family in Gyumri will undergo a psychiatric evaluation, sources familiar with the situation told Intefax.

“Several forensic tests are being conducted as part of the joint investigation. A psychiatric evaluation will also be done soon, as provided by the law in such cases,” the source told Interfax on Friday, adding that forensic experts will evaluate the mental health of the soldier who committed mass murder in Gyumri. “All tests, including this one, will be conducted at the Russian 102nd military base in Armenia,” the source stressed.

A Russian lawyer residing in Armenia will defend Permyakov. “His name was not released so far for obvious reasons. He performs his official duty,” the source of Interfax noted.

According to another source of Interfax, samples were taken from the soldier yesterday to be compared with samples from the crime scene. “Biological, genetic and forensic tests will be done,” the news agency’s source said.

Six members of the Avetisyan family, including a 2-year-old child, were killed in Gyumri on January 12. The only survivor, a 6-month-old boy, was hospitalized in critical condition. He died on January 19, despite all efforts to save him. Russian conscript Valery Permyakov is suspected of the crime.

On the night of January 13, the main suspect Valery Permyakov – the soldier of the Russian 102nd military base in Gyumri was detained by Russian border guards during an attempt to cross the Armenian-Turkish border. He was questioned and confessed to the crime. He is held in custody. Armenian Investigative Committee brought a charge against Permyakov under Article 104 part 2 point 1 (murder of two or more persons) of the Criminal Code.