A bride-to-be was hacked to death with an axe days before her wedding and murder detectives have launched a manhunt for her missing fiancé.
The semi-n*ked body of victim Marina Pankratova, 26, was found in her bed at her Moscow home, and she had suffered horrific wounds to her head and face. She recently told police her future husband, Alexander Voronin, had been violent towards her.
The 28-year-old groom, who is the nephew of an FSB security service lieutenant-colonel, has gone on the run and is being sought for murder, law enforcement sources said.
Ms Pankratova recently bought a wedding dress as she excitedly made final preparations for the couple’s big day, which was due to take place in front of family and friends in August, just four months after they began dating.
Her future mother-in-law discovered the body at the bloody scene in Russia’s capital.
Ms Pankratova was also covered in bruises.
A pistol was discovered at the scene.
The night before Ms Pankratova’s body was found, CCTV cameras showed Voronin hitting her in the face during an argument, it is alleged.
Friends said they had a “very tender” relationship.
“They were a nice couple. very calm and quiet,” said one neighbour.
A female neighbour said: “I’m shocked.
“They were a nice and intelligent couple.”
However, it was revealed that Ms Pankratova had recently complained about domestic violence to the police, but later withdrew the claim and agreed to marry Voronin.
Local media claimed Ms Pankratova had gone to the hospital before with bruises after being assaulted by her partner.
