STEPANAKERT, 19 JANUARY, ARMENPRESS. A candle-lighting ceremony in memory of the Avetisyans brutally murdered in Gyumri on January 12 was held at the St. Hakob Church in Stepanakert. As “Armenpress” reports, citing karabakh-open.info, by lighting candles, the gathered are joining everyone in mourning, sharing the deep sorrow and praying for the souls of the victims to rest in peace.

The six members of the Avetisyan family were shot and killed in Gyumri at around 6 a.m. on January 12, 2015. The only survivor was 6-month old Seryozha Avetisyan, who was transferred to a hospital with injuries caused by a cutting and piercing tool. The child’s health condition became worse on January 19. There was severe renal insufficiency and cardiac insufficiency, and doctors weren’t able to save his life.Soldier of the 102^nd Russian military base stationed in Gyumri, Valery Permyakov is charged with killing the members of the Avetisyan family and causing numerous injuries to little Seryozha. Russian border guards found him when he was trying to cross the Armenian-Turkish border and handed him over to the commanders of the 102^nd Russian military base. Permaykov has confessed his crime.

After fighting for his life and undergoing several difficult surgeries for a week, six-month old Seryozha Avetisyan also died on January 19.