In the early hours of September 23, a violent confrontation erupted in the quiet village of Meshtitsa, located in Bulgaria’s Pernik region, leaving two young men injured after a shooting incident.
The altercation occurred around 3 a.m., when a group of four young men arrived at the home of a 44-year-old local resident, according to the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Pernik. What began as an argument escalated into gunfire, resulting in two of the youths being shot.
The incident reportedly stemmed from a dispute over a girl, a detail confirmed by police. While there were circulating rumors that the young men had attempted to set fire to a truck belonging to the shooter, these claims have not been verified by law enforcement.
The Night of the Shooting
According to eyewitness reports and local authorities, the four young men arrived at the shooter’s house by car, apparently seeking a confrontation.
As tensions rose, the homeowner emerged from his residence armed with a hunting rifle loaded with pellets, typically used for hunting small birds. A heated argument ensued, which ultimately led to the suspect discharging his weapon.
Both of the victims, approximately 20 years old, were injured during the confrontation. Despite their injuries, they managed to reach Pernik’s multi-specialty hospital “Rahila Angelova” for initial treatment.
However, due to the severity of their injuries, the two were later transferred to Sofia’s prestigious emergency hospital, “Pirogov,” where medical professionals ensured that both were out of immediate danger.
Local media outlets reported the scene as one of chaos, with residents of Meshtitsa shocked by the sudden eruption of violence in their typically peaceful village.
Arrest and Charges
Following the shooting, the 44-year-old suspect fled the scene, reportedly seeking refuge in Kyustendil, a nearby town. However, his efforts to evade justice were short-lived.
Authorities were able to track him down based on a police report, and he was swiftly arrested in Kyustendil. The shooter was transported back to Pernik, where he was detained for 24 hours as investigators gathered evidence and questioned those involved.
A prosecutor from the District Prosecutor’s Office in Pernik has since taken up the case. Based on initial evidence, the 44-year-old has been charged with attempted intentional murder.
He is currently being held under a 72-hour detention order while the prosecutor’s office prepares to request his permanent detention. If convicted, the suspect could face a significant prison sentence, ranging from 15 to 20 years, life imprisonment, or even life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Community Reactions
The village of Meshtitsa is reeling from the violent encounter, with many residents expressing disbelief that such an incident could occur in their small community. The quiet village is home to around 500 residents, most of whom know each other, making the shooting even more shocking to locals.
Local authorities have assured the public that the situation is under control, and an investigation is underway to determine all the circumstances surrounding the incident. Police have also increased their presence in the area, providing reassurance to the village’s shaken residents.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation
The prosecutor’s office is building its case against the suspect based on the evidence collected from the scene and witness testimonies.
The legal process will focus on establishing the timeline of events, the nature of the dispute, and the intent behind the shooter’s actions. Investigators are also probing whether the unverified reports of an attempted arson against the suspect’s vehicle played any role in escalating the conflict.
The attempted murder charge is a serious one under Bulgarian law, and if convicted, the accused could face decades behind bars. Legal experts note that the outcome of the case will depend heavily on proving the intent to kill, as well as any mitigating or aggravating circumstances that might emerge during the investigation.
Meanwhile, the families of the victims have not publicly commented on the situation, though sources close to them indicate that they are focusing on the recovery of the injured young men. Both victims remain in stable condition and are expected to make full recoveries, though it is unclear how long their rehabilitation process may take.
Conclusion
As the investigation unfolds, the village of Meshtitsa remains in shock over the sudden act of violence that has disrupted their community. What started as a dispute over personal matters has escalated into a legal battle, with the accused facing severe penalties if found guilty.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly personal conflicts can spiral into tragedy, and authorities continue to urge residents to resolve disputes peacefully.