The Nizhny Novgorod coach has been acquitted again in the case of the murder of a National Guard officer.

      On April 10, 2026, at 16:08, the Nizhny Novgorod District Court completed the re-examination of the criminal case against Nikolai Kukushkin, accused of murdering a National Guard officer. This was reported by the court's press service.

      Recall that the tragedy that became the basis for the criminal case occurred in May 2021 on Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street. According to the investigation, a group of intoxicated servicemen began to harass two girls and attempted to forcibly take them away. Their husbands intervened, after which a fight broke out. During the conflict, Kukushkin's friend was knocked to the ground and beaten. In response, Nikolai pulled out a knife and fatally wounded one of the attackers, who turned out to be a National Guard officer.

      After the incident, Kukushkin voluntarily went to the police and was arrested. At the same time, an investigation was conducted into the beating of his friend, which resulted in the National Guards receiving suspended sentences.

      The first jury had already issued a verdict of acquittal, but the prosecution appealed it, and the case was sent for re-examination. The second and third juries were dismissed before a decision was made.

      And so, the fourth jury issued a verdict of acquittal on March 26, 2026. On April 10, the court found Kukushkin not guilty of the charges under paragraph "z" of part 2 of article 111 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (deliberate infliction of serious harm to health, dangerous to life, using objects used as weapons) and part 1 of article 105 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (murder) and acquitted him.

      He was recognized as having the right to rehabilitation and compensation for damages related to the criminal prosecution. The verdict has not yet entered into legal force.

      It was previously reported that a gas service manager was acquitted in the case of an explosion on Krasnodontsev Street. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has a Telegram channel. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and operational information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+