Vitaly Molchanov, a convicted sex offender who received a life sentence on December 28 for murdering and sexually assaulting the children of his partner, plans to appeal the ruling, according to RIA News.
Following the December 28, 2022 hearing, Molchanov told reporters that he intends to challenge the verdict because he disagrees with the investigative timeline of his actions on the day of the murder. He asserts that the sexual violence against the minors occurred after their deaths, a claim he says could relieve the mother’s burden of grief. In the months since the decision, legal observers have noted that appeals in such cases often hinge on the interpretation of forensic timelines, eyewitness accounts, and the sequence of events established by investigators. Molchanov’s assertion introduces a contested chronology that could influence appeals courts as they review whether due process was observed and whether the evidence supported the verdict beyond a reasonable doubt.
He added that a relationship had been established with Valentina Suprunova, and he wanted her to understand his intended actions. He described this as important for her, as he put it.
Public prosecutor Pyotr Fedorenko noted that the defendant emphasized this position in court, and according to Fedorenko, Molchanov may be attempting to reduce the severity of the sentence by presenting this narrative. Prosecutors have consistently argued that the evidence, including the brutality of the acts and the impact on the family and community, justifies a life sentence given the nature of the crimes and the vulnerability of the victims. The case has also sparked broader discussions about safeguarding mechanisms for at-risk households and the monitoring of individuals with serious prior offenses as part of public safety strategies.
It is recalled that on September 15, 2022, Molchanov killed two of his partner’s daughters, aged 8 and 13. The mother discovered the bodies upon returning from work. Online reports described a man with a serious criminal history who had been living with the mother and her children for about six weeks prior to the tragedy. Authorities described violent acts including sexual assault on minors, stabbing, and mutilation, with reports that parts of the bodies were concealed. The killer fled the scene and was located near the crime site three days later. The investigation highlighted gaps in the protection of dependents in shared living arrangements and underscored the need for coordinated oversight among social services, law enforcement, and the judiciary in high-risk domestic situations.
The case drew attention to Molchanov as a guardner of the public safety concerns in Kostroma, where he had previously received a life sentence for related crimes, with continued suspicions about his behavior toward another child. Local authorities have emphasized the ongoing importance of vigilant supervision and comprehensive support services for families dealing with complex criminal histories to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The court system, in handling this case, faced scrutiny over how sentences are determined in cases involving repeated offenses, and how appeals processes can be used to ensure that all legal avenues are thoroughly explored while maintaining public confidence in the administration of justice.