Yana Legkodimova: Trial Begins in Atyrau Over High-Profile Killing of Young Woman

The Specialized Interdistrict Criminal Court of Atyrau Region has opened hearings in the high-profile case of the killing of Yana Legkodimova, whose body was found in the Jaiq (Ural) River, Orda.kz reports.

On trial are 24-year-old Rizuan Khairzhanov and 25-year-old Altynbek Katimov, residents of the Qurmangazy district. They are accused of joint intentional homicide and theft, with Katimov additionally charged with contract killing.

According to investigators, Legkodimova was dating Khairzhanov and was unaware he had another partner.

When she threatened to reveal the affair, Khairzhanov allegedly decided to offer Katimov 500,000 tenge to kill Legkodimova. On the night of October 19, 2024, the woman was strangled in a car and her body thrown into the river.

Her remains were discovered only in June 2025 and were later identified.

The case is being heard by Judge Zarema Khamidullina. The prosecution’s case is based on social media correspondence, witness testimony, forensic reports, and other evidence.

Original Author: Daniel Arturov