Andrei Chikatilo, the "Rostov Ripper"

Andrei Chikatilo murdered at least 52 women and children across the Soviet Union between 1978 and 1990, primarily near railway stations and wooded areas around Rostov-on-Don. He confessed to more killings than he was ultimately tried for.

A troubled investigation

Soviet authorities were initially reluctant to acknowledge the existence of a serial killer, a phenomenon officially considered incompatible with socialist society. The prolonged investigation was further marred by the wrongful execution of another man for one of Chikatilo's early murders.

Capture and trial

Chikatilo was arrested in November 1990 after a lengthy surveillance operation at train and bus stations. He confessed in detail and was convicted of 52 counts of murder in 1992.

Execution

Chikatilo was executed by gunshot in February 1994.