The Slyudyanka District Court has refused to arrest a 24-year-old man accused of buying alcohol for teenagers before the deadly massacre in Baikalsk. The court cited the man’s lack of prior administrative offenses related to involving minors in alcohol consumption, his status as a participant in the Special Military Operation with two injuries, stable residence, social connections, and absence of previous convictions as reasons for the denial.

The brother of the 15-year-old boy suspected of attacking and killing four teenagers in Baikalsk has been charged in connection with the case. He faces charges under clauses “b, c” of Part 3 of Article 151 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, which pertains to involving two or more minors in the systematic use of alcohol.

The tragedy occurred on the night of May 28 in the “Gorny Baikal” horticultural society, where the teenagers were celebrating a birthday. The suspected attacker allegedly used a knife to kill four of his friends before setting fire to the house and dying in the blaze. Four other teenagers managed to escape.

Anatoly Sitnikov, the head of the regional Investigative Committee, attributed the tragedy to unsupervised children and easy access to alcohol for minors. The Investigative Committee stated that an 18-year-old young man bought alcohol for the children, leading to a criminal case and the detention of two individuals.

The children’s ombudsman reported that a 14-year-old boy, who was in critical condition and underwent surgery, has regained consciousness and is being cared for by his mother. Other surviving children are reported to be in good condition and are receiving medical and psychological assistance.