A man dressed as Father Frost, the Russian version of Santa Claus, fatally shot a store owner in the town of Kanash, Chuvashia Republic, Russia. The incident was captured on camera and shows the assailant, wearing a Father Frost costume, white felt boots, and glasses, entering the store with a shotgun hidden under his coat.
He took a selfie with the 54-year-old shop owner, engaged him in conversation, and then shot him at close range. The victim died on the spot, while the suspect fled the scene. The alleged killer was later detained outside his home in a nearby village.
Investigators believe the motive behind the murder was a dispute over a debt owed by the victim to the suspect. This is not the first time criminals have used Santa outfits to commit crimes. In December, a man was arrested in Tatarstan for luring children with candies, leading to charges of sexual assault. Last January, a 17-year-old in the Siberian city of Norilsk assaulted a passerby while dressed as Santa Claus.
10 Comments
G P Floyd Jr
If society can't deal with issues like debts properly, these kinds of incidents will keep happening.
Martin L King
Detached from the crime, this is a reminder that we can't take appearances for granted. People can be hiding dark secrets.
Rolihlahla
Crime can happen in any form; let's focus on strengthening community relations instead of being shocked by costumes.
Martin L King
Disgraceful! Father Frost is supposed to bring joy, not terror. This man should be held to the fullest extent of the law!
Pupsik
Let’s not forget the importance of community—vigilante justice arises when people feel unheard.
Raphael
This incident casts a dark shadow over the holiday season. We need to do better to protect each other.
Donatello
It's a tragedy, but it highlights the urgency to educate our youth about consequences and personal responsibility.
Katchuka
What kind of person shoots someone and then takes a selfie? There's something seriously wrong with our society!
BuggaBoom
Hope this encourages discussions about mental health—people are struggling and acting out in harmful ways.
Noir Black
Can we start banning these holiday costumes if they can be used for such evil acts? It's time for change!