KHARKIV – Investigators that the theft of the coin collection of Kharkiv Judge Volodymyr Trofymov was the motive for the murder of the judge and his family.
“Two theories are left, one of which is the main one. We predict that
probably of two theories, the one proposing that the murder was
committed to seize the property of the victims, a collection of coins,
will be the final one,” Prosecutor General of Ukraine Viktor Pshonka
said at the briefing in Kharkiv on Thursday.
He also said the investigation continues to investigate a line of inquiry on the professional activities of judge Trofymov.
There are 180 volumes in the criminal case on murder of Trofymov and
the members of his family, with 236 forensic examinations scheduled, of
which one has a conclusion.
Pshonka said he hoped that the case would be solved soon.
As earlier reported, on December 16, the decapitated bodies of
58-year-old Judge Trofymov, his 59-year-old wife, 30-year-old son and
his son’s 19-year-old girlfriend were found in the judge’s flat. A
criminal case under Article 115 (premeditated murder) was opened.
Investigators are currently establishing the circumstances of the
murders.
Interior Minister of Ukraine Vitaliy Zakharchenko reported that judge
was one of the leading coin collectors in Ukraine, collected porcelain
statuettes and military awards, was famous numismatist outside Ukraine.
According to the minister, according to the preliminary findings some
items from the collection have disappeared.
The prosecutor general also said that the crime was committed by
professionals, who thoroughly prepared for the crime. They even covered
up the video cameras located around the judge’s house.
Kharkiv police have announced award worth a Hr 200,000 for assistance in solving the case.
At an oath taking ceremony for newly appointed judges in Kyiv,
Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych also made an announcement: “I have
ordered an investigation into the case of the murder of the judge and
his family, as it is a challenge to the whole of Ukrainian society.
Solving this crime is a matter of honor for all law enforcement
agencies,” he said.
