Leonid Volkov: Massachusetts man arrested after bodies of missing pair found dismembered in storage unit
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers' discretion advised
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS: In a chilling crime, a Massachusetts man was arrested in connection to the deaths of two missing men, after their dismembered bodies were found in the bins of his iStorage unit. Suspect, Leonid Volkov, 37, was arrested for the murder of victims Kiryl Schukin, 37, and Pavel Vekshin, 28, on Saturday, April 15, according to the Middlesex County District Attorney.
Initially, both the victims were reported missing by friends and coworkers on April 9, prompting an investigation. After weeks of a search for Kiryl Schukin and Pavel Vekshin, authorities busted Leonid Volkov and found the missing pair's bodies in his Boston iStorage unit. The suspect is charged with murder, and additional charges are expected to be filed in the coming days as the investigation continues, according to the DA’s office.
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Investigators Seeking Help in Connection with Medford Missing Persons Case - Both men were reported missing on April 9, 2023.
— Medford Police (@MedfordPolice) April 14, 2023
Anyone with info is asked to contact the @MassStatePolice Detective Unit (781) 897-6600 and/or the @MedfordPolice Detective Division (781) 391-6767. pic.twitter.com/bVQlLAmj53
What happened to the missing victims?
Authorities revealed that Kiryl Schukin had been a guarantor on the lease for an apartment the assailant had in Medford. However, during a recent lease extension, the guarantor had different plans and decided to give up his role, leading to Leonid VolKov's eviction. The suspect was seen together with Kiryl Schukin on March 29, where officials said they met up to rent a U-Haul truck.
Authorities believe the U-Haul truck was used by Leonid Volkov to move items from Kiryl Schukin and Pavel Vekshin’s apartment to the storage facility, where the bodies were found. The suspect was spotted on video leaving and entering the victim's apartment, following the last time Kiryl Schukin and Pavel Vekshin were seen alive. On Friday, officials were able to track Leonid Volkov's rented Boston iStorage unit, under one of the victim's names, leading to the horrifying discovery.
Search for victims lead to a horrifying discovery
Investigators found 28-year-old and 37-year-old slain victims' bodies stuffed inside rubber bins and noted the latter's body was reportedly dismembered. Along with bodies, police found bleach, rubber gloves, and items that they believe belonged to the victims. The Chief Medical Examiner concluded that Kiryl Schukin and Pavel Vekshin were stabbed to death, as per New York Post. Although, a clear motive behind the gruesome crime remains unclear. As for now, the 37-year-old suspect has been charged with the murder of the slain men and additional charges will be filed as the investigation continues. Leonid Volkov will be arraigned at the Somerville District Court on Tuesday.
