Zumriyat Rezakhanova has appealed to the country's authorities for intervention in the case
She is convinced that the verdict is unjust and insists on a review of the criminal case concerning the brutal murder of her niece—a young mother of four children.
The tragedy occurred on February 4, 2025. The 37-year-old woman, the wife of her nephew, was killed by her husband—Zhumadinov Nurlan. He inflicted 12 stab wounds and continued to strike her until the knife broke. Prior to this, apparently, he kicked her, leaving injuries on her face.
The murder took place in the morning hours when the woman was alone milking cows. Relatives believe that this crime was premeditated, as the day before, Nurlan, according to them, was packing a bag in preparation for a getaway.
Additionally, during the court proceedings, a paramedic testified that the crime scene had been thoroughly cleaned, and blood had been removed, which prevented the collection of necessary samples. He also noted that the milk the deceased was milking had frozen, indicating a significant time lapse between the crime and the call for help.
Relatives claim that before calling for an ambulance, the deceased was dressed and placed in a corner of the barn, which, in their opinion, indicates an attempt to conceal evidence.
According to the family, the motive for the murder was a dispute over a house that had been gifted to the deceased by her grandfather. She had cared for it for many years and wanted to divorce her husband.
Despite the seriousness of the crime, on September 23, 2025, the first-instance court sentenced Zhumadinov to 11 years in prison. Judge Felix Osmonov changed the qualification of the charges, which, according to Zumriyat, shocked the family and the public. The prosecution has already filed an appeal.
Relatives express concern that the defense insists on the version of "state of affect," although the examination established that Nurlan was sane, and his preparation for the crime indicates intent.
During the trial, the accused's son also testified, stating that his older brother had previously threatened the deceased, which may indicate that the tragedy was planned in advance and not solely by one person.
The deceased left behind four children, who, according to relatives, have been subjected to violence by their father. They fear that he may be released and continue to intimidate them. The family notes that the children were not interrogated in court, although they are willing to testify.
The case is currently under consideration in the Chuy Regional Court, and relatives fear that the verdict will remain unchanged.
Zumriyat Rezakhanova appeals to the country's leadership, the General Prosecutor's Office, and law enforcement agencies to take control of the case and conduct an objective assessment of all circumstances to achieve just punishment.
"We cannot understand why our girl's life has been so devalued. We are worried about her children and do not want the murderer to be released too soon," she notes in her appeal.
The woman also reports that the family is going through difficult times. One of the deceased's daughters could not speak for a long time after losing her mother and is now asking to record a video appeal for help.
Relatives hope for a review of the case and that the guilty party will receive punishment commensurate with the brutality of the committed crime.
