Detective Belov
Belov receives a phone call, it is very early in the morning and he didn’t even have his cup of coffee. A female corps was found in a fishnet in his home village N. on the Baikal shore. Belov grew up there. He comes from this very village and he is now to lead the investigation on the spot.
On Wednesday, July 12th, 2017, at 11:15 a.m. Detective Belov was sent from Irkutsk to village N. to investigate the death of a local school-teacher. He arrives by USZ-425D in the staging post to change to a helicopter and continues the journey.
On Wednesday, July 12th, 2017, 5:50 p.m., Detective Belov arrives by Mil Mi-8 in his home village N.
On Wednesday, July 12th, 2017, at 6:00 p.m., Belov investigates the crime scene where the dead body of Milana B. was found by fishermen on Monday, July 10th.
Testimony Excerpts: Q:“ Did you notice anything unusual? Did you see something suspicious?” A: “No, nothing unusual. Well, we did not see anything, except that we fished her out.”
After documenting at a supposed crime scene, at 7:00 p.m., one of the fishermen brings Belov back to the village again.
On Thursday, July 13, 2017, at 7:15 a.m., Belov goes to inspect the house, where Milana B. was living by herself.
On Thursday, July 13, 2017, at 7:45 a.m., in front of the house, where the deceased woman had lived, Belov met two neighbor’s girls.
Testimony Excerpts: “No, we did not see anything and did not hear anything. But if you want to find out something, try it at school.”
On Thursday, July 13, 2017, at 11:30 a.m., local school. Belov interrogates the co-workers of the deceased and the school director.
Testimony Excerpts (co-worker): “About two weeks ago, she had been sick for a few days. When she was back again, she started to cry a few times out of the blue. But she did not want to accept our help.”
Testimony Excerpts (school director): “Yes, she had reported sick for 3 days, about 10 days ago. She did not name one reason, but she does not have to.”
On Thursday, July 13, 2017, at 12:45 p.m., in the schoolyard Belov met two pupils.
Testimony Excerpts: “I saw Ms. Bogdanova at the end of that day, last Friday it was. She was crying, so I asked her if I could help her. She left immediately, but I followed her.
We all liked her. Ms. Bogdanova was the kindest person we have ever known. ”
On Thursday, July 13, 2017, at 1:00 p.m., the two boys accompanied Belov to the church, where Milana B. was seen alive last time.
On Thursday, July 13, 2017, at 1:30 p.m., Belov arrives at church to interrogate the priest.
Testimony Excerpts: “Milana had a hard time dealing with the death of her parents. She has spent most of the time with the kids or in the church. She had changed. She wanted to leave the place. She didn’t have support here, because she was different.”
On Thursday, July 13, 2017, at 2:00 p.m., Belov left the church. One of the boys was waiting for him outside.
Testimony Excerpts:
“Q: Was it the last time you have seen Ms. Bogdanova?
A: Yes, but the younger sister of my best friend told him, that she saw Ms. Bogdanova later that day. But since she was very upset, he didn‘t want to let you know. But I think you should know it.”
On Friday, July 14, 2017, at 2:15 p.m., the boy from the church waited for Belov and brought him to the local grocery store. The saleswoman confirmed that Milana B. come into the store that day and bought a bunch of sweets.
Testimony Excerpts (Boy): “I left Ms. Bogdanova in front of the store. She told me to go home. But I waited, she came out and gave me some sweets. Then I noticed that another girl was watching her and then followed her. But then I left“
On Friday, July 14, 2017, at 3:50 p.m., the boy from yesterday led Belov to the old vehicle fleet, where his friend’s sister was with her mother.
On Friday, July 14, 2017, at 4:00 p.m., the girl and her mother, his former classmate, recognized Belov.
Testimony Excerpts (Mother): “We didn’t spend that much time together. She was mostly by herself. She tried to leave the village about four month ago. When she came back, she seemed very happy. But then, must be a fortnight ago, she was like a substitute. I met her at the store. I asked her how she was doing, she started crying and run away.”
On Friday, July 14, 2017, at 4:10 p.m., the woman and her daughter guided Belov to the place, where the girl saw Milana B. last time.
Testimony Excerpts (Girl): “I think this one is for you. Ms. Bogdanova gave me the letter. She said I have to wait a couple of days."
On Wednesday, July 19, 2017, at 10:17 a.m., Milana B. committed suicide. The case is cleared up.
[...]
My dearest!
When you begged me to leave the village and come with you, I was happy. Our time was wonderful, you need to know it. I came back home for a reason.
I knew, you never wanted to have children, and I desired it so much! I didn’t want to get in your way. I said goodbye to you, because I got pregnant. I was happy, but how could I have told you? And now it is time to say goodbye again. I have lost the unborn child. I have lost everything that I loved. Forgive me.
Milana
Photographer: Roman Kaiser
Frederike Klipp
Nadia-Vera Niemann
Nilüfer Yolcu
Olena Malyshko