Three years after a man allegedly hacked his ex-wife to death with an axe in front of their six-year-old child and the woman's mother, Latvian police have still not located him. The brutal killing shocked Latvia in April 2023 and sparked widespread outrage after it emerged the victim had repeatedly begged authorities for protection before she was murdered.
Details of the Attack and the Suspect
Leons Rusiņš is accused of killing his former partner, born in 1983, in the Baltic state on April 16, 2023, after months of alleged stalking, harassment and threats. The attack occurred in front of the victim's young child and her mother. Prior to the killing, Rusiņš had reportedly been the subject of 19 criminal proceedings, including 18 for allegedly breaching restraining and protection orders designed to keep him away from the victim.
International Manhunt and Ongoing Investigation
Despite an international manhunt, Rusiņš has never been found, according to Latvian Public Service Media. Earlier this year, Latvian police carried out fresh searches in the area where he was last seen shortly after the killing. Officers have not ruled out that he may have died, including the possibility he took his own life, but say there is still no evidence to confirm this.
State Police chief Armands Ruks said: "If this man were alive, he would eventually have to show up somewhere." However, he added that until investigators can establish with certainty that Rusiņš is dead, or locate his remains, the murder inquiry will remain open and he will stay on the international wanted list as a dangerous fugitive.
Changes to Latvia's Domestic Abuse Laws
The case sparked changes to Latvia's approach to domestic abuse. Temporary protection orders can now be issued more quickly, while stalking, threats and repeated breaches of restraining orders carry tougher criminal penalties. Police also introduced new domestic violence risk assessment guidelines after internal investigations found failings in the handling of the victim's repeated complaints. Latvia has also introduced electronic ankle tags for some domestic abusers to warn victims and police if offenders breach exclusion zones, although campaigners say the technology is still only used in a small number of cases.
