The 2013 Belgorod Shooting

On April 22, 2013, a gunman opened fire at a hunting and sporting-goods store in Belgorod and then continued shooting outside. Six people were killed. Police identified Sergei Pomazun, a recently released former prisoner, as the suspect and launched a large manhunt.

The attack

Contemporary reporting from Russian authorities and Reuters described three people killed inside the store and three more killed after the shooter left it. Two of the victims outside were schoolgirls aged 14 and 16. Five victims died at the scene and a sixth later died from gunshot injuries.

The attack was captured in part by surveillance cameras. Investigators said weapons and ammunition were taken from the store, making theft and illegal-weapons charges part of the criminal case in addition to the homicide counts.

Manhunt and arrest

Police searched Belgorod and surrounding transport routes after the shooting. On the evening of April 23, officers detained Pomazun near the city's railway station as he attempted to leave the area. Authorities said he resisted arrest and stabbed a police officer, who survived.

Investigators subsequently charged Pomazun with the murders, weapons offenses and an attempted killing of a law-enforcement officer. Psychiatric evidence was litigated before and during trial; the court ultimately relied on an examination finding him criminally responsible.

Trial and conviction

On August 23, 2013, the Belgorod Regional Court found Sergei Pomazun guilty on the charges before it, including the murders of six people. The court imposed life imprisonment.

The defense argued for a lesser term and sought further psychiatric examination, but the trial court rejected the request after considering the expert material already obtained. This file reports those arguments as defense positions, not as findings that Pomazun lacked criminal responsibility.

Supreme Court review

Pomazun appealed. On November 20, 2013, Russia's Supreme Court rejected the defense challenge and held the life sentence lawful. The Supreme Court also rejected the argument that another psychiatric evaluation was required. With that ruling, the conviction and life sentence took effect.

Current status

Solved / adjudicated. Sergei Pomazun was convicted of six murders and related offenses and sentenced to life imprisonment. The Russian Supreme Court upheld the judgment in 2013. The sources reviewed for this file do not establish any later reversal of the murder convictions.

Timeline

1. April 22, 2013
   Six people are killed

   A shooting begins at a weapons store in central Belgorod and continues outside.

2. April 23, 2013
   Pomazun is arrested

   Police detain Sergei Pomazun near Belgorod railway station after a citywide search. A police officer is wounded during the arrest.

3. August 23, 2013
   Life sentence imposed

   Belgorod Regional Court convicts Pomazun and sentences him to life imprisonment.

4. November 20, 2013
   Supreme Court upholds judgment

   Russia's Supreme Court rejects the appeal and leaves the life sentence in force.