Two Elderly Women Convicted of Murder and Robbery in Kryvyi Rih
In Kryvyi Rih in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, two elderly women were convicted of the murder and robbery of their friend and neighbor. The details of the criminal chronicles of that time are described in detail by «Dnipro Operativny», referring to the events that took place.
Chronology of the Incident
In a quiet village near the Dnipro River in 2005, 64-year-old Lydia Kopelyan was found dead in her apartment. After a lengthy investigation, two women were arrested: 64-year-old Anna Ptashko, a neighbor and close friend of the deceased, and 40-year-old Elena Karabanova, who lived in the same building.
Lydia Kopelyan and Anna Ptashko considered themselves close friends for many years. Their apartments were in the same building, allowing them to visit each other often. This friendship lasted for many years until one horrible event occurred.
On August 23, 2005, according to the case, Anna Ptashko arrived at Lydia Kopelyan’s apartment around 10 pm. Preparing for the crime, she taped the peepholes on the neighboring apartments so that no one would witness the crime. She also invited another neighbor, Karabanova, who was aware of the criminal activities.
Despite the late hour, Lydia Kopelyan unquestionably opened the door, as her close friend was standing on the doorstep. Ptashko, pretending to have a headache, asked for a pill. When the host went to get the medication, the perpetrator grabbed a hammer and brutally struck her «friend» on the head. After ensuring that Lydia Kopelyan was dead, they began to rob her apartment. That evening, they stole money, a dress that Ptashko wanted, a blood pressure monitor, and a television. The items were then taken to Karabanova, while Ptashko tried to cover up the crime.
Motives for the Crime
As a result of the investigation, it was revealed that Ptashko had several motives for the murder. The woman was annoyed that Lydia Kopelyan asked her to give her enemas, which she told Karabanova about. Additionally, Ptashko knew that Kopelyan had significant money and a dress that she wanted.
Karabanova admitted that she participated in the crime out of financial need and did not think about the possible consequences.
Verdict
Ptashko insisted on her innocence until the end, but the court had enough evidence to convict her. She was sentenced to 14 years in prison, while her accomplice received 11 years.
