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A dramatic turn of events unfolded in an Astana courtroom today as Judge Aizhan Kulbaeva ordered the case materials of Yerzhan Imankulov، accused of murdering his partner، to be returned to the prosecution. The decision also mandates a new psychiatric examination، citing significant discrepancies in previous findings.

Case Materials Sent Back for Re-evaluation

Judge Kulbaeva issued a ruling to send the case documents back to the prosecutor's office. She expressed doubt regarding the validity of prior expert assessments and ordered a new examination to be conducted by a different panel of specialists. This move suggests that the court found the existing evidence insufficient to proceed.

Conflicting Medical Opinions

According to the judge، it is premature to consider compulsory medical treatment for the defendant. The case file contains conflicting expert conclusions. One psychiatric evaluation indicated that the defendant had emerged from the acute phase of his injuries، exhibited normal behavior، and did not require medical intervention. However، a subsequent comprehensive examination suggested he suffers from a chronic mental disorder.

"The court concluded that due to these contradictions not being resolved during the pre-trial investigation، it is necessary to return the case to the prosecutor for additional investigation and a new examination by a different team of specialists،" explained the judge. The court also upheld the existing security measure of placing the defendant in a specialized psychiatric hospital، emphasizing its doubts about conclusion No. 151 and the need for a fresh review by other experts.

Courtroom Developments

The day's proceedings included closing arguments from the involved parties. State prosecutor Azat Barbوlov had previously requested that the defendant be released from criminal liability and instead be subjected to compulsory treatment in a specialized psychiatric facility with intensive supervision.

However، the victim's side opposed this proposal. Lawyers representing the deceased's family pointed to the inconsistencies in the previous reports and demanded a new examination. This highlights the deep division and the critical role of expert testimony in determining the case's outcome.

Background of the Case

The case of Yerzhan Imankulov is currently being heard in Astana. He is accused of murdering his partner، with whom he was in a civil marriage. According to the investigation's version، on June 19، 2025، during an argument in a residential complex in Astana، the man allegedly stabbed the woman multiple times. He then reportedly jumped from the 25th floor، landing on a parked car، surviving the fall، and being hospitalized.

The criminal case was investigated under the article of murder committed with particular cruelty. Currently، the court is discussing not only the fact of the accusation but also the defendant's mental state. The defense، relying on a comprehensive psychological-psychiatric examination conducted on December 26، 2025، argues that Imankulov may be exempt from criminal liability because he did not understand the nature of his actions and could not control them، suggesting the application of compulsory medical measures.

The victim's side disagrees with these conclusions and insists on a new examination. According to the deceased's relatives، the two previous examinations provided unclear results، and only the third، conducted after the defendant sustained a severe head injury، reached a definitive conclusion. The relatives of the deceased are demanding an objective investigation، believing that the defendant might evade responsibility.