Chișinău man sentenced to 12 years for murder and threatening police

A 40-year-old man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for intentional homicide and threatening police officers in Chișinău. The incident occurred on March 1, 2026, in a basement used as a temporary shelter.

The perpetrator and the 61-year-old victim were acquaintances who had previously worked together. Following the consumption of alcohol, a conflict erupted, during which the defendant repeatedly struck the victim with his hands and feet before stabbing him in the neck. The victim died at the scene.

Following the crime, the man initially attempted to mislead investigators by claiming an unknown person had attacked the victim. He later admitted to lying and revealed his involvement in the altercation. During the encounter with law enforcement, the man brandished the murder weapon, threatened to kill the officers, and threatened suicide. After a brief attempt to flee, which required police to fire warning shots, he was apprehended. Despite the evidence, the defendant did not plead guilty during the trial.