MOKRESH, BULGARIA – A 23-year-old man has been detained following his arrest for the robbery and murder of an elderly woman in the small village of Mokresh, located in the Valchedrum municipality of the Montana region.
The incident, which has shocked the quiet rural community, occurred on July 9, 2024, according to a statement from the District Prosecutor’s Office in Montana.
The accused, a local resident, allegedly attacked the 82-year-old woman in her home, striking her in the head with a metal object, leading to her death.
The man is said to have stolen 105 leva (50 euros) from the woman following the brutal assault. Authorities have confirmed that the suspect has confessed to the crime.
The tragic discovery was made on the morning of July 10 when the woman’s housekeeper arrived at her home to care for her. Upon entering the residence, she found the elderly woman lying lifeless in her bed and immediately alerted local authorities.
When police arrived at the scene, they noted the absence of any signs of forced entry, which initially raised concerns that the assailant may have been someone known to the victim.
Police investigations quickly turned their attention to the 23-year-old man, a fellow resident of the same village, who was subsequently taken into custody. Following his arrest, the suspect admitted to both the robbery and the murder during questioning by investigators.
The District Prosecutor’s Office stated that the man has been detained for an initial period of 72 hours while further evidence is gathered.
He is also awaiting a forensic psychiatric evaluation to assess his mental state at the time of the crime. The results of this evaluation could play a significant role in the legal proceedings that follow.
Residents of Mokresh, a village known for its close-knit community and relative tranquility, have been left stunned by the crime.
Several locals expressed disbelief that such violence could occur in their area. “We’ve never had something like this happen here before,” said one neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous. “She was a kind woman, and the whole village is grieving.”
Prosecutors have confirmed that if the suspect is convicted, he could face severe penalties under Bulgarian law. The maximum sentence for such a crime is life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, while the minimum sentence is 20 years in prison.
The case has attracted considerable attention in the region, with calls for justice from both local residents and advocates for elderly protection.
Social services in the Montana region have also expressed concern over the safety of elderly individuals living alone in rural areas, emphasizing the need for increased community support and vigilance.
As the investigation continues, the people of Mokresh mourn the loss of a beloved member of their community, while authorities work to ensure that justice is served for this heinous crime.