Killer of 21-year-old Angel in Pazardzhik Gets Reduced Sentence

Court Reduces Sentence for Killer of Angel in Pazardzhik

Pazardzhik Appellate Court has reduced the sentence of Nikola Raychev, who was found guilty of murdering 21-year-old Angel Zdravkov in Pazardzhik in 2023. While the first instance court imposed a life sentence with special regime, the appellate court deemed this punishment inappropriate.

Reasons for the Change

The court ruled that the district court should have proven that the crime was exceptionally severe and that the goals of punishment could not be achieved with a lighter sentence. Raychev is a young man with no prior convictions, he admitted his guilt and cooperated with the investigation. He expressed remorse for what happened.

Preferred Punishment

The appellate court stated that the most suitable punishment is 20 years imprisonment (the maximum prescribed term). This punishment is considered fair as it corresponds to the severity of the crime, has an educational effect, and serves as a deterrent. The court noted that despite the high public danger, there are many mitigating circumstances, and insufficient evidence that Raychev cannot be rehabilitated.

Next Step

The decision can be appealed by the victim's relatives, the prosecution, or the defense. Raychev expressed regret and asked for the reduction of the "unjust punishment."

Motive for the Murder

According to the prosecution, the motive for killing Angel Zdravkov was jealousy. The murder occurred in front of Angel's girlfriend on "Panayot Volov" Street in Pazardzhik on September 29, 2023. Raychev inflicted two stab wounds with a knife in the groin area and one leg, one of which was fatal.

Investigation

The appellate court did not accept the thesis that his remorse was insincere, nor did it accept the argument that the videos made before his detention cancel out this remorse. The court stated that this behavior is a way of coping with the difficult situation.

Category: incidents

Source: trafficnews.bg