Russian Judge Brutally Killed in Suspected Jealousy Attack

Russian judge Vasily Vetlugin, 40, was brutally killed in Kamyshin, Volgograd region, in an attack authorities believe may have been motivated by jealousy. According to investigators, the suspect, 47-year-old transport company owner Sergey Kibalnikov, ambushed the judge outside the courthouse. Kibalnikov’s wife, Yelena, was Vetlugin’s secretary. Reports suggest Kibalnikov suspected an affair between the two.

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Vetlugin was shot with a Saiga semi-automatic hunting rifle before being stabbed multiple times. The attack was particularly gruesome  the suspect allegedly mutilated the judge’s body, placing severed genitals in his mouth and stabbing a knife into his eye. Witnesses say the judge tried to flee towards a nearby lawyer’s office after the shooting began, but Kibalnikov pursued and killed him.

Authorities say the suspect confessed during interrogation and made no attempt to escape, surrendering to police at the scene. Some unconfirmed reports claim Kibalnikov had recently returned from fighting in the war against Ukraine and confronted the judge after growing suspicious of his wife’s fidelity.

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Law enforcement has charged Sergey Kibalnikov with “murder with particular cruelty,” a serious offense under Russian law. Investigators are examining whether jealousy was the sole motive or if other factors played a role. Eyewitnesses reported the killing happened quickly and in public view, shocking bystanders near the city court.

Kibalnikov’s wife, Yelena, has not been charged, and no evidence has yet been made public confirming an affair. The judge’s family strongly denies the allegations, insisting that Vetlugin was a man of honour, happily married, and the father of recently born twin daughters. They say the accusations are unfounded and damaging to his reputation.

The killing has drawn national attention in Russia, not only for its brutality but also for the high-profile nature of the victim. The Russian Investigative Committee has released limited details, but images of the bloodied suspect in handcuffs have circulated widely online.

According to sources, the suspect waited calmly for police after the murder, telling officers exactly what he had done. Local media note that the extreme violence used in the attack suggests deep personal anger, but until the investigation concludes, the full truth behind the incident remains uncertain.