Vladimir Ionosyan
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- Gender
- male
- Country
- Russia
- Location
- Moscow, Russia
- Date of birth
- 1938
- Age at first offence
- 26
- Characteristics
- bank robbery, rape
- Victim profile
- 3 boys and 2 women
- Method of murder
- Beating with an ax
- Date(s) of murder
- January 1964
- Years active
- 1964
- Date of arrest
- January 16, 1964
- Status
-
Sentenced to death
Sentenced to death on January 31, 1964; he was shot by a firing squad the next day
Background
In early January 1964, residents of Moscow whispered warnings to their neighbors of a mysterious, long-nosed killer prowling the city, knocking on doors at random and gaining entry to the homes of his victims by posing as a meter-reader for Moscow Gas.
It seemed a nearly fool-proof gimmick, since the men from Mosgas made their rounds each month and were unlikely to arouse suspicion. In the absence of reliable reports, with widespread tales of women slain and children mutilated, paranoia took control.
By mid-month, the authorities reported that at least two Mosgas workers had been violently assaulted on their rounds, roughed up by tenants who were not inclined to scrutinize credentials. Friends made it a standing joke to telephone each other, hanging on the line in silence for a while before they whispered, "Mosgas calling."
Investigation
On January 16, Moscow police announced the arrest of a suspect in the case.
Vladimir Ionosyan, 26, was an unemployed actor fallen on hard times. He had turned to burglary as a source of revenue, reportedly killing in the process.
Charged with the ax murders of two boys and a woman in downtown Moscow, Vladimir Ionosyan was also linked with two similar killings in a suburban district.
Vladimir Ionosyan's arrest resulted from a general police alert to taxi drivers, circulating suspect sketches with instructions to beware of anyone who looked suspicious. Officers were summoned after Ionosyan stopped a trucker on the street and tried to sell a television set at bargain prices.
Arrest
Officers were summoned after Vladimir Ionosyan stopped a trucker on the street and tried to sell a television set at bargain prices.
Trial
A three-day trial resulted in Vladimir Ionosyan's conviction on five counts of murder.
Sentencing
Vladimir Ionosyan was sentenced to death on January 31, 1964.
Vladimir's female accomplice, former ballerina Alevtina Dmitrieva, received a sentence of fifteen years in prison.
Outcome
Vladimir Ionosyan was shot by a firing squad the next day after being sentenced to death on January 31, 1964.
Other details
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