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A year has passed since the brutal murder of the Karabalin family in the village of Zhyngeldin, Atyrau region, an event that sent shockwaves across the nation. Today, their home stands abandoned, a silent testament to the tragedy. While belongings remain untouched, the vibrant life that once filled its rooms is gone.

Lingering Memories in an Empty Home

The Karabalin family's house now lies neglected, with both the yard and the structure showing signs of decay. The remnants of their former life are starkly absent. In the rooms of the deceased Maksot Karabalin and his wife Nasip Oteshkalieva, their personal effects are still in place. Maksot Karabalin's portrait, a gift for his 60th birthday, hangs on the wall, and his formal suit remains on the coat rack.

Asila Mukhangalieva, the sister of the deceased, guided journalists through the house, reminiscing about the family she lost. She described her sister-in-law, Nasip, as an exceptionally meticulous and tidy woman. "She was always whitewashing and cleaning the house. Even when we told her to stop, she wouldn't listen," Asila recalled.

In the kitchen refrigerator, homemade butter made by Nasip Oteshkalieva is still preserved. "The fridge is empty now, but it used to be always full. My sister-in-law would collect cream, churn butter, and organize everything. This is the butter she made herself," a relative shared.

A Nation Stunned by the Family's Disappearance

The Karabalin family went missing in late 2025. Relatives began searching for them in late December. Two months later, their bodies were discovered with signs of violence. The case quickly became one of the most high-profile crimes in the Atyrau region.

On May 18, a court trial began in Atyrau against 29-year-old Sultan Sarsemaliev, the ex-husband of the couple's youngest daughter, Akbayan. The victims were identified as Nauryz Mukhangaliev and Meirangul Karabalin.

The Love Story of Akbayan and Sultan

According to relatives, Akbayan Mukhangalieva studied law in Aktobe before moving to Atyrau. She met Sultan Sarsemaliev while working at a fair. They married in 2016, though relatives mentioned it was not a large wedding, with only a small gathering for tea.

The couple had five children. In 2022, Akbayan left her parents' home with three of her children. Her mother insisted she live separately in Atyrau, not with her mother-in-law. Sultan, however, was unwilling to leave his parents, leading to a rift and a formal divorce. Despite this, they later reconciled and began living together again. In 2024, Akbayan became pregnant with their fifth child.

Later that year, Akbayan's health deteriorated sharply, and she was diagnosed with pneumothorax. After surgery, she remained in a coma for about 20 days. According to investigation materials, she experienced psychological difficulties following this ordeal.

"He Was a Very Reserved Person"

Asila Mukhangalieva supplemented the details from the investigation materials with her own recollections. She stated that Akbayan's parents consistently supported the young family. "My brother and sister-in-law regularly brought groceries from the village to Akbayan. They tried their best to provide for their daughter," she said.

Asila mentioned meeting Sultan Sarsemaliev only a few times in her life, describing him as a very reserved and quiet individual. "He was a very simple, calm young man. Too quiet. No one ever imagined such a horrific act could come from someone like him," Asila Mukhangalieva stated.

Crimes Committed with a Single Kitchen Knife

According to the investigation's theory, Sultan Sarsemaliev used a single kitchen knife for all the killings. Nauryz Mukhangaliev was reportedly killed first on May 14, 2025. Meirangul Karabalin was killed six months later, on November 6, 2025. The bodies of the elderly couple were found under a shed in the village of Zhyngeldin.

"This House Was Always Full of Light"

Neighbors recalled the Karabalin house as a place that was always bustling with people. "They were very good people. They raised livestock and lived self-sufficiently. They lived a quiet life, harming no one," said neighbor Serikbay Akmeshyt. Villagers admitted to living in fear for a long time after the incident.

Who Were Nauryz and Meirangul?

Asila Mukhangalieva expressed disbelief in some of the details presented in court, particularly regarding Nauryz Mukhangaliev's character. "I don't believe Nauryz would be the first to start a conflict or a fight. It's completely against his nature," she asserted. Relatives described Nauryz as an open, sociable, and hardworking young man. Regarding Meirangul Karabalin, relatives remembered her as a very calm and composed individual.

"It Was Like Their Last Birthday"

Asila Mukhangalieva fondly recalled Maksot Karabalin's 63rd birthday celebration in 2022 with deep longing. "We all remember that day. Everyone was so happy and cheerful. Thinking back now, it feels like it was our last farewell with them," Asila Mukhangalieva said, her eyes welling up with tears.

Sultan Sarsemaliev is currently facing multiple charges of aggravated murder.

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