A teenager has admitted to killing a girl as a way to bolster his sense of self, a revelation released by the press office of Russia’s Federal Investigative Committee, St. Petersburg division. The disclosure comes as investigators move forward with a high-priority case that has drawn widespread attention across the region.
On Wednesday, authorities detained two youths, aged 16 and 15, in connection with the death of a 13-year-old girl who was in the seventh grade and known to them as a mutual friend. Police acted on a series of tips and surveillance leads that culminated in the arrests and a more complete picture of the events surrounding the crime. The two suspects are facing serious charges as the investigation unfolds.
For investigators, the motive appeared unclear at first, but early findings indicate the crime was premeditated rather than impulsive. In the days leading up to the incident, the suspects prepared by selecting a location, digging a grave in a forest near the village of Pargolovo, and secretly laying the groundwork for what would become a fatal act. The grave was later used to conceal the victim’s body, a grim detail that has added urgency to the forensic work being conducted by regional authorities.
The killing took place on April 30 during a picnic outing arranged by the accomplices. At the scene, the 16-year-old allegedly struck the victim with a hammer, and together with the other juvenile, moved the body to the prepared grave. Reports also indicate that the defendants attempted to mislead the victim’s mother, suggesting that her daughter was still alive, an act that has raised questions about procedural violations and the boundaries of coercive interviewing in this case.
During questioning, the 16-year-old suspect confessed to involvement in the crime and guided investigators to the location of the victim’s remains in the forest. As the inquiry continues, authorities are expanding the scope of their work to clarify every detail, including the sequence of events, the relationships among those involved, and the preventive measures that could apply in similar situations. The investigation is examining how and why the incident occurred, with an emphasis on accurate documentation, evidentiary preservation, and timely action by law enforcement.
Authorities reported that both suspects were taken into custody on the morning of May 3. Recent examination of communications related to the case, including digital traces from the 16-year-old’s Telegram channel, helped investigators pursue new lines of inquiry that led to the confession and the location of the body. The timing of these developments underscores the importance of corroborating digital and on-site evidence in modern investigations.
The case is being managed by regional investigative authorities who stress the necessity of rigorous evidence gathering and the careful construction of a clear timeline of events. The inquiry remains active, with officials evaluating interview results, forensic analyses, and other standard procedures to determine appropriate charges once all facts are established. The public is advised that information released at this stage reflects ongoing proceedings and should be treated as preliminary until the inquiry is complete. According to the Federal Investigative Committee press office, the information released is part of an evolving case and may be updated as new findings emerge.”