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Ukrainian Authorities Identify Kharkiv Police Killer, Find His Dead Wife


Investigators at the scene of the shooting incident in Kharkiv on August 20.
Investigators at the scene of the shooting incident in Kharkiv on August 20.

Police in Ukraine's eastern region of Kharkiv have named a man who was shot dead near the Kharkiv city council early on August 20 after killing a police officer -- saying investigators also discovered the body of the gunman's slain wife.

Oleh Bekh, Kharkiv's regional deputy police chief, identified the gunman as Oleksandr Poyarkov -- a 47-year-old unemployed Kharkiv resident.

Bekh said on August 21 that investigators suspect Poyarkov also killed his wife.

Her bullet-riddled body was discovered at the couple's house after Poyarkov's shooting spree near the city council building.

Bekh said investigators also found an assault rifle, four pistols, a rifle, and a large amount of ammunition at the house.

Bekh said an autopsy showed that the Poyarkov was intoxicated when he went on the shooting rampage.

Based on reporting by UNIAN and Gordon

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