Russia's 'Chessboard Killer' Ready to Confess to More Murders

Alexander Pichushkin, a Russian serial killer, has expressed his willingness to confess to 11 additional murders. This development comes after Pichushkin was convicted and sentenced to life in prison in 2007 for killing 48 people ¹.

A History of Violence

Pichushkin's killing spree lasted from 1992 to 2006, with most of his victims being homeless people, alcoholics, and the elderly. He targeted them in and around Bitsevsky Park in southern Moscow. Pichushkin's nickname, "the chessboard killer," originated from his desire to put a coin on every square of a 64-square chessboard for each of his victims ¹.

A Troubled Past

Pichushkin's troubled past may have contributed to his violent behavior. He suffered a head injury at a young age, which some experts believe damaged his frontal lobe and led to poor impulse regulation and aggression ². Additionally, Pichushkin was bullied as a child, which may have intensified his anger.

Potential Ramifications

If convicted of the additional murders, Pichushkin would become Russia's second most prolific serial killer, behind Mikhail Popkov, who was convicted of 78 murders. Pichushkin has been held at the Polar Owl prison in Russia's remote Arctic north since his sentencing