Brutal murder in Russia: Wagner Group member sentenced to 9 years

A tragic incident occurred in Sverdlovsk Oblast, Russia. The 82-year-old Maria Niezhiwykh fell victim to a brutal attack by Vladimir Shcherbakov, a member of the Wagner Group. The man mutilated the woman's body. "When I arrived at the hospital, I recognised my mother only by the nameplate above her bed," recounts Maria's son, Igor.

In the small town of Beloyarsky in Sverdlovsk Oblast, Russia, a brutal murder took place that shocked the local community. 36-year-old Vladimir Shcherbakov broke into the house of 82-year-old Maria Niezhiwykh at night with the intention of robbery.

When the woman noticed the intruder, Shcherbakov brutally attacked her, fearing she would call the police. After committing the crime, he took 180,000 rubles (about £1,500), jewellery, and two phones from the apartment.

A social worker visited the pensioner in the morning and immediately called an ambulance. Maria was unconscious and making barely audible sounds.

When I arrived at the hospital, I recognised my mother only by the nameplate above her bed. The sight was horrifying. She had depressions on both sides of her skull, a broken jaw, and her arms were covered with bruises. She couldn't eat and was fed through a tube - recounts Maria's son, Igor.

The woman died in the hospital two months later. The murderer was arrested a month after her death.

The court sentenced Shcherbakov to 9 years in prison for robbery and intentional, severe bodily harm. His participation in the war was considered a mitigating circumstance.

The murdered woman's son has already announced that he will appeal the verdict. In his opinion, Shcherbakov not only committed theft but also attempted to kill his mother.

Shcherbakov's criminal history is very extensive. In December 2021, the court sentenced the man to six and a half years in prison for 12 thefts. The man was released in November 2022, after which he joined the Wagner Group.