Two Men to Face Trial for Homicide of Missing Atyrau Woman, Body Not Found

Yana Legkodimova, 23, disappeared without a trace in the fall of 2023. Today, police in Atyrau confirmed to Orda.kz that the investigation has been completed and the case has been forwarded to court.

The investigation is over and the case has been referred to court,
police told an Orda.kz correspondent.

Yana’s mother also confirmed the information and said the trial would begin soon, with the date to be announced.

Legkodimova went missing in October 2023. Two men, aged 24 and 25, were soon detained. During the investigation, both confessed to strangling Yana and disposing of her body in the Ural River.

Authorities have not disclosed the motive behind the killing, which is expected to be revealed during court proceedings.

Despite extended searches across several months — with interruptions — the body was never found. Search efforts resumed in the spring, involving divers, rescuers from multiple regions, drones, and specialized equipment.

More than 20,000 square meters of river and surrounding terrain were examined.

The case is classified as homicide and kidnapping, and the trial will proceed without finding the victim’s body. 

Although rare, this legal course is allowed. Lawyers note that when there are confessions, witness testimony, and corroborating evidence, a conviction can still be reached.

The worst thing is not knowing where your child is. Not being able to bury them. But I believe that justice will prevail. Even without a body, even without saying goodbye,
 said Galina Legkodimova, the victim’s mother.

The two accused remain in custody. They face lengthy prison terms, up to and including life imprisonment.

Original Author: Daniel Arturov