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A man accused of a murder and other offences committed against an adopted child will stand trial in Smolensk

Smolensk Regional Investigations Department has finished investigation into a probe against a 49-year-old local citizen. He is accused of offences under Paragraph B of Part 4 of Article 131 (rape of a victim who obviously has not attained 14 years of age), Paragraph B of Part 4 of Article 132 (violent sexual actions committed against a person who obviously has not attained 14 years of age), Paragraphs C, J of Part 2 of Article 105 of the Criminal Code of Russia (murder of a minor).

According to investigation, the family of the accused had been bringing up four adopted children aged from 6 to 10 years. On January 3, 2018 the foster mother went to visit her relatives in another city and her husband stayed at home with children. On the night of January 4, 2018, the man committed a crime against sexual integrity of a 7-year-old girl and murdered her.

Three children have been removed fromm the family and placed into a state children's institution.

During investigation of the probe investigators of the Investigative Committee have carried out a big volume of investigative activities and expert examinations including forensic, DNA, and psychological, sexological and psychiatric examinations. The probe amounted to 8 volumes.

The defendant did not plead guilty and filed a motion for the case to be considered by jurors.

The investigation gathered enough evidence; therefore, the criminal case with the approved indictment was sent to the court to be tried on the merits.

Investigation of the probe into an offence under Article 293 of the Criminal Code of Russia into negligence of guardianship autorities is ongoing.