The trial in the high-profile murder case of 21-year-old student Nurai Serikbai in Shymkent will begin on July 21, according to lawyer Ayanhan Omarov, as reported by infohub.kz.
During the preliminary hearing, it will be decided whether the case will be heard by a judge or a jury. The state prosecutor will also be appointed, and the date for the next hearing will be set. Additionally, the format of the proceedings — open, closed, or with an online broadcast — will be determined.
The tragedy occurred on the evening of January 11, 2026, in Shymkent. Nurai left her home and was followed by a man. She tried to run away, but the attacker caught up with her and inflicted multiple stab wounds, killing her on the spot. The suspect is an acquaintance.
After their daughter's death, the family stated that the suspect had been stalking and threatening Nurai for a long time. She had contacted the police, but according to her relatives, no appropriate action was taken.
Following the incident, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev ordered a review of the actions of the Shymkent police department. As a result, the head of the Shymkent police department and his first deputy were dismissed.