Grigoriy Bukhantsov, age 19, is sitting in Sacramento county jail accused of the unthinkable. Grigoriy Bukhantsov is accused of killing 23-year-old Alina Bukhantsov and her children - 3-year-old Emmanuela and 2-year-old Avenir.
Reports indicate that Denis Bukhantsov, the husband and father of the victims, discovered the bodies when he arrived home on October 23. According to the Sacramento Sheriff's department the scene was so traumatizing that first responders, who are used to gruesome scenes, had to be counseled.
The sad reality is that Grigoriy is the brother of Denis Bukhantsov. According to media reports, Denis recently allowed a homeless and troubled Grigoriy to stay in the home.
Court records indicate that Grigoriy's own parents believed he was a danger. Two separate filings for restraining orders detail Grigoriy Bukhantsov's troubled mind. In the restraining order applications the parents indicate that Grigoriy made death threats.
Sacramento County criminal court records indicate that the suspect was on a prior occasion convicted of the crime of first degree burglary. The Sacramento County District Attorney's office in its complaint has alleged this prior strike conviction along with the three counts of first degree murder and the special circumstance of multiple killings.
A prior strike conviction has the effect of doubling the sentence on a new felony conviction. This may not matter in the case since a first degree murder conviction carries a mandatory life sentence. The prosecutors may still use this conviction in their decision of whether to pursue the death penalty in the present case. Many other factors, including discussions with the victim's family, will have a role in the decision regarding pursuing the death penalty.
Grigoriy Bukhantsov's defense attorneys have not made any substantial public comments regarding Mr. Bukhantsov mental status however given the circumstances, the suspect's mental health and status at the time of the killing will surely play an important role in his defense.
If you or a loved one have been accuse of murder or another violent crime, contact our Sacramento criminal defense attorneys today for a consultation. Our defense attorneys leave no stone unturned in preparing your defense. Contact Law Offices of David W. Bonilla LLP at (916)447-7842 and schedule a consultation today.
