Murder of Kazakh judge in Germany: Case ‘goes cold’ as investigation stalls
Kazakh lawyer Zhanna Urazbakhova has criticized German police for their handling of the murder investigation of Kazakh judge Aigul Sailybayeva, who was killed in Germany. Two years into the investigation, the suspects remain at large, and no arrests or searches have been reported.
The murder case
According to Sailybayeva’s mother, she last spoke with her daughter by phone on June 3, 2024. After that, Aigul stopped responding to calls and messages.
Her family contacted her husband, Alexander Dontsov, who denied knowing her whereabouts. A missing person’s report was filed by her brother through the Kazakh Consulate. Later, her brother traveled to Germany. He organized a volunteer search.
Sailybayeva’s body was discovered on June 16 in a forest near Lake Erlache.
«Aigul was killed with particular violence; her body was transported from the scene to the lake. At the time of her death, she was 24 weeks pregnant — almost seven months,» Urazbakhova said. «Her husband, Alexander Dontsov, did not report concern about her disappearance, did not attempt to look for her, and did not contact police. After the body was found, additional details surfaced: Aigul had reportedly experienced domestic violence from both her husband and mother-in-law. She had informed friends about these incidents and sent them photos of her injuries.»
According to German investigators, the primary suspect is Alexander’s mother, Natalia Dontsova. She flew out of the country the same night Aigul disappeared. Her son had ordered a taxi for her.
Forensic examination
A forensic report found that at least two different objects were likely used as murder weapons. Injuries came from both sharp and blunt or semi-sharp objects.
Investigators documented multiple stab and cut wounds on Sailybayeva’s body. A photograph obtained from the funeral home that repatriated the body to Kazakhstan reportedly shows severe facial disfigurement, missing soft tissue, and partial scalp hair loss.
After her death, the victim was dressed in different clothes. The cuts on the clothing did not match the wounds on her body. The clothing also showed no bloodstains.
Police’s alleged inaction
More than a year and a half later, German police have made no arrests. Dontsova left Germany the night Aigul disappeared, and her husband reportedly left the country with their daughter a few months later.
«Aigul’s body was taken to the lake no earlier than 24 hours before it was found,» Urazbakhova said. «It is unlikely that one individual — particularly one of Dontsova’s build — carried her alone. Several people could have been involved in moving the body.»
On June 5, 2024, Dontsova allegedly texted her son instructions on how to dissolve a certain substance in a glass and how to administer an injection into the neck. Injection marks were later found on Aigul’s neck.
Investigators also found that, on the night of June 4, 2024, Alexander viewed articles of the German Criminal Code on his phone. He looked at sections related to murder and concealment.
«At present, German police have not taken steps to locate or arrest the suspects,» Urazbakhova said. «Meanwhile, Alexander Dontsov remains at liberty, giving interviews to the media. The Dontsovs have reportedly moved to Russia and have not faced charges.»
Criminal case in Kazakhstan
Notably, Kazakh authorities opened a separate criminal case regarding Sailybayeva’s alleged torture. Friends of the murdered woman provided testimony. They also presented photographs of injuries she reportedly suffered at the hands of the Dontsovs.
Sailybayeva’s family includes her elderly parents and two brothers.
«Their health has deteriorated significantly because of this event,» Urazbakhova said. «They are hoping for justice and to see the verdict for their only daughter’s case.»
The family has also urged Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to send a diplomatic note to German officials. They are calling for renewed efforts to find and prosecute the suspects.
