A public discussion around the Vera Pekhteleva case continues as new information emerges about Vladislav Kanyus, the man accused in the 2020 killing of a 23-year-old student from Kemerovo. Family members say a photo in a military uniform, posted to social networks and received by Vera Pekhteleva’s relatives, shows a man who has not yet been found guilty in a court of law. The claim comes from Vladimir Pekhtelev, Vera’s uncle, who says this is the third image circulating online that seems to depict Kanyus as not serving a sentence for murder. Court officials have not located him as a defendant in a formal sense, despite the ongoing online presence of related material.
Vladimir explains that the photo was shared through family channels after being seen on social media. He notes that the court has not issued a formal finding against Kanyus, but the images suggest he appears free on the internet. He mentions that several photographs show him with a firearm, others show him among individuals in masks, and a third image appears to show him with friends in a setting that resembles a military backdrop. A letter from the Ministry of Defense reportedly states that Kanyus is not identified as a member of the Russian armed forces, leading to questions about possible involvement with private security contractors or other groups.
Vera Pekhteleva’s mother remains worried about any potential return of Kanyus to the city where the crime occurred. Vladimir says the family still has questions for the court regarding the criminal cases involving Kanyus and the broader investigation, including whether charges related to coercion or unlawful confinement are fully resolved. He recounts Vera’s mother’s deep concern that justice may not be complete while Kanyus remains in circulation within social networks and local communities.
The case initially drew public attention after Vera Pekhteleva was killed in January 2020 in Kemerovo. The young woman, who had recently ended her relationship with Kanyus, went to a boarding facility on Leningradsky Prospekt to collect her belongings. What followed was a brutal assault during which she sustained numerous injuries, including head trauma and severe contusions. Official findings indicated multiple stab wounds, and investigators described the sequence of violence that culminated in the use of a cord to strangulate the victim. Forensic professionals documented extensive injuries on Vera’s body, underscoring the severity of the crime.
Residents of the building heard screams and attempted to call for help for several hours. When the situation did not improve, neighbors eventually forced the door open, but Vera Pekhteleva had already died. The trial later resulted in a 17-year prison sentence for Kanyus in July 2022, after he pleaded not guilty and declined cooperation with investigators. The sentence reflected the gravity of the offense and the severity of the harm inflicted on the victim.
In June, another family member revealed that Kanyus was reportedly in a different regional area at that time, supported by photos in which he was shown with others in a military-like setting. Vera’s relatives say that even as this information circulates, there has been ongoing contact between the accused and relatives through social media, with additional photographs sent to loved ones. The community continues to seek clarity about the precise nature of Kanyus’s activities and his current status.
There are broader questions about the judicial process in this case, including how decisions about related charges are made and whether any additional charges still require resolution. The family remains focused on ensuring that Vera Pekhteleva’s memory is honored and that the legal process provides appropriate accountability. The path forward for those left behind remains difficult, with many in the community hoping for transparency and closure as the case unfolds.