In Sofiivska Borshchahivka, near Kyiv, a man was detained after shooting and killing a soldier and his mother-in-law
In the village of Sofiivska Borshchahivka, located in the Kyiv region, the investigation has been completed, and a preventive measure has been chosen for a 63-year-old local resident suspected of a serious crime — the murder of a serviceman and his mother. The suspect is accused of intentional murder of two men, as well as illegal possession and purchase of firearms and ammunition without proper authorization. According to the Kyiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office, during the hearing, he was remanded in custody without the possibility of bail. Witnesses and investigators established that the attack occurred on May 8, 2025, around 15:22, during a conflict between the suspect and two neighbors, which ended in gunfire and the tragic death of a man and a woman, who were his neighbors. Source: Kyiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office Official representatives reported that, under procedural guidance from state attorneys, the investigation found that the conflict was triggered by unpaid funds for purchased weapons. According to the investigation, a month earlier, a military serviceman had sold an automatic rifle, allegedly for $1,000, to another resident — the buyer. However, on May 8, a dispute erupted between the parties over the non-payment of the full amount for the weapon, and it is likely that this prompted the new owner to resort to violence. Following the dispute, the attacker opened fire on the soldier and his mother-in-law — a woman who was at home at the time — killing both. After the incident, he entered his residence and locked himself inside, attempting to avoid detention. Special police units quickly surrounded the house and, within an hour, carried out an operation to apprehend the suspect. It was established that the attacker is a 63-year-old resident of the same village, whose behavior caused justified outrage among residents and law enforcement officers. A crime scene investigation team, criminalists, and medical professionals worked on the scene. They collected evidence, interviewed witnesses, and seized firearms and ammunition, confirming not only the fact of the murders but also the illegal possession of weapons without a license. Investigative details indicate that the weapon purchase took place a month before the tragedy, but due to mutual grievances, the situation escalated fatally. This tragic event has once again drawn attention to the issue of illegal weapons trafficking and its consequences. It also underscores the importance of strict control over the sale and storage of firearms within Ukrainian legislation. The investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement agencies continue to analyze all circumstances of the tragedy to identify all involved parties and triggers of the conflict. At the same time, the public and local authorities call for caution and responsibility, as this incident demonstrates how crucial it is to adhere to the law and avoid conflict situations that could lead to fatal consequences. The detained suspect remains in custody, and the investigation continues to establish all circumstances of this terrible tragedy.