Ishimbay Shashlyk Vendor, on Trial for Killing 23-Year-Old, Faces Long Prison Term

Prosecutors have requested a 24-year prison term for the «Ishimbay Shooter,» Marzpetuni Galustyan (also known as Arman Galustyan), in a case concerning a murder at a club. The incident occurred in the spring of 2024 in Ishimbay: according to the investigation, Galustyan had a conflict with patrons, and when the situation escalated, he pulled out a pistol and fired. However, instead of hitting his intended targets, the bullet struck a 23-year-old man, who later died. Lawyer Roman Petrov, representing the victims, told UFA1.RU about the trial«s progress.

The shooting in the club was captured on surveillance camera recordings. Immediately after, Galustyan fled, was declared a federal fugitive, and was detained several days later in southern Russia: State Traffic Inspectorate officers stopped a white minibus and found the shooter hiding inside during an inspection.

The victim was 23-year-old Danil Rakhimkulov, who worked shifts in the oil sector. On that fateful day, he was relaxing at the club with friends and became an involuntary witness to a brawl. The bullet hit him in the temple, and doctors were unable to save him.

During his first interrogation, Marzpetuni Galustyan stated he was unaware of the search for him. Later, he claimed he did not intend to shoot anyone, saying he was trying to fire a warning shot. The victims« lawyer insisted the Ishimbay resident aimed intentionally—not at the deceased, but at his friend, with whom he had a conflict.

During one of the hearings, the defendant requested a trial by jury but soon abandoned this idea.

Now, as Roman Petrov reported, the state prosecution has requested a 24-year strict-regime prison term for Galustyan.

«The prosecutor considered mitigating circumstances, supposedly that he organized holidays for disabled children. The hearing was postponed to February 4, where the defendant will have his final statement,» the lawyer commented.

It is noted that Galustyan is a well-known figure in Ishimbay, he owned a shashlyk restaurant, and on social media, he posted symbols of a banned criminal movement.