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An investigation into a horrific family tragedy in the village of Zhyngeld، Atyrau region، has concluded. The primary suspect، Sultan Sarsemaliev، has confessed to his involvement and is now awaiting trial.

Confession and Charges

According to sources cited by the "Ak Zhaik" publication، the accused has reviewed the criminal case materials and provided a confession regarding the deaths of four individuals. Sarsemaliev faces charges under Article 99، Part 2، Clause 1 of the Criminal Code، which pertains to the "Murder of two or more persons." The investigation also uncovered evidence related to theft and fraud، specifically concerning the sale of the deceased family's livestock and the theft of money from their bank cards.

"All investigative actions have been completed. The case is fully prepared and will be sent to court soon. The trial is expected to begin this month،" a source stated.

Previously، the Atyrau Regional Prosecutor's Office confirmed that Sarsemaliev underwent a psychological-psychiatric examination، which found him to be of sound mind. This means he will be held fully accountable under the law. Given the severity of the charges، he could face a life sentence.

The Discovery of the Family's Demise

The mass death of a family in Zhyngeld village had been under investigation since late December 2025، when relatives reported the disappearance of a retired couple and their adult children. A search was launched for the four missing adults.

On January 6th، the bodies of the retired couple were discovered in Zhyngeld. Law enforcement later reported that the bodies were found buried under a utility structure in their yard. Following the couple's burial، on January 8th، police identified the main suspect as the family's 29-year-old son-in-law، Sultan Sarsemaliev. It was revealed that he had fled the country with the family's youngest daughter، Akbayan Mukangaliyeva.

Sarsemaliev was placed on an international wanted list. On February 24th، both Sarsemaliev and Mukangaliyeva were apprehended at a hotel in the village of Senaru، Indonesia. The following day، Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Sanzhar Adilov announced that Akbayan Mukangaliyeva was also recognized as a suspect in the case.

Suspect's Extradition and Further Confessions

In the evening of March 9th، it was reported that the suspect couple had been extradited to Almaty. There، Sarsemaliev confessed to murdering Nauryz Mukangaliyev and Miramgul Karabalin and revealed their burial locations. The bodies of the two victims were found in the yard of a house previously rented by the main suspect in the Geolog microdistrict near Atyrau.

The funeral for the two victims took place on March 11th in Zhyngeld village، Kyzylkoga district. A relative told a Tengrinews.kz correspondent that this was a great tragedy for the family and they were not ready to comment further. "The deceased were simple and kind people، always ready to share what they had. They never harmed anyone. They were buried next to their parents،" the relative shared.

Suspect's Wife Undergoing Examination

The prosecutor's office had previously clarified the whereabouts of another suspect in the case، the deceased couple's daughter and Sultan Sarsemaliev's wife، Akbayan Mukangaliyeva. On March 10th، a court ordered her to be sent to a specialized medical facility for a forensic psychological-psychiatric examination. "At this stage، her actions have not been classified، and no preventive measure has been chosen for her. If signs of mental disorder are identified، the issue of appointing a stationary comprehensive forensic psychological-psychiatric examination at the Institute of Forensic Examinations in Almaty will be considered،" the prosecution clarified. According to the prosecution، the completion of the pre-trial investigation will depend on the results of the examination and the scope of ongoing investigative actions.