A regional court has delivered its verdict in the case of Natasha Matyukhina, a 15-year-old girl who disappeared 15 years ago, acquitting two former police officers initially suspected of her kidnapping and murder. Maksim Kudryavtsev and Evgeny Bartolomey, who spent nearly two years in pre-trial detention, were released in the courtroom following the judge’s decision.

The case, which had been dormant for 13 years, saw a resurgence in July 2023 when Kudryavtsev and Bartolomey were detained based on a witness’s testimony. The witness claimed that Kudryavtsev, while driving under the influence, hit Matyukhina with a car, after which the two officers allegedly placed her in the trunk and drove away.

The judge found Maksim Kudryavtsev guilty of a traffic accident resulting in death by negligence and sentenced him to three years in a settlement colony, but he was released from punishment due to the statute of limitations. Evgeny Bartolomey was found guilty of abuse of power and sentenced to two years in a settlement colony but was also released due to the expiration of the statute of limitations.

During the trial, both defendants maintained their innocence. The defense argued that there was a lack of evidence and pointed to an alternative suspect who had confessed to the crime in 2022, but whose confession was not pursued. The key turning point came when the main witness recanted her initial testimony, claiming she had fabricated the story under pressure.

The prosecution had sought 18-year sentences for both men. Both the prosecution and defense have indicated their intention to appeal the verdict. The fate of Natasha Matyukhina remains unknown.