The death of 40-year-old Aigul Sailybayeva became publicly known approximately a year and a half ago. The former judge from Kazakhstan was 24 weeks pregnant at the time of her death. She had been living in Germany with her husband and young daughter and, according to relatives, had reduced contact with family members roughly a year before the incident.
According to media reports, on June 4, 2024, Sailybayeva took her daughter to kindergarten and then disappeared. Two weeks later, volunteers discovered a suitcase containing human remains near a lake outside the town of Bensheim in the German state of Hesse. Forensic experts reported multiple stab wounds and chemical burns on the body.
Case Timeline
Open-source reporting indicates that on June 4, 2024, Sailybayeva dropped her child off at a kindergarten in Bensheim and subsequently stopped responding to messages and calls. Relatives in Kazakhstan reported her missing after failing to reach her. Her husband, Alexander Dontsov, reportedly was unable to clearly account for her whereabouts.
On June 16, volunteers found a suitcase containing remains near a lake outside Bensheim. German authorities opened a murder investigation. Forensic findings cited stab wounds and chemical burns.
Several media outlets, citing investigative sources, reported that the fatal incident may have occurred on the day of her disappearance. According to these reports, a domestic conflict allegedly took place, after which Dontsov contacted his mother, Natalya Dontsova. It has also been claimed that the couple’s daughter may have been present. These details are based on media leaks and have not been confirmed by a final court ruling.
Investigators reportedly documented cleaned blood traces in the residence and seized an object believed to be a possible weapon. Media reports state that fingerprints attributed to the mother-in-law were found on it. Authorities also noted that shortly after the disappearance, Alexander Dontsov left Germany with the child for Russia, and his mother flew to Moscow the following day.
By July 2024, German authorities had placed Natalya Dontsova on an international wanted list via Interpol. A criminal case was also opened in Kazakhstan under articles related to torture and violent death. The victim’s parents publicly accused their son-in-law and his mother of involvement in the killing.
Through late 2024 and 2025, additional investigative details appeared in the press. Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs sent inquiries to Russia regarding the suspects’ citizenship status. Russian authorities initiated checks following media reports that the Dontsovs might be in Moscow.
In February 2026, journalists reported that both individuals were in Moscow. According to these reports, Alexander Dontsov works as a research fellow at the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs at HSE University. Natalya Dontsova also resides in Moscow and reportedly declined to testify, invoking her constitutional rights.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Who Was Aigul Sailybayeva
Sailybayeva was a Kazakh lawyer and former judge who previously worked in Kazakhstan’s judicial system. She later lived in the United Kingdom, where she met Alexander Dontsov, and in 2020 moved to Germany with her husband and daughter.
According to relatives and acquaintances cited by media, the family relationship was strained and marked by recurring conflicts, including tensions with her mother-in-law, described as a former investigator and notary. These claims originate from interviews and have not been independently verified in court proceedings.
Some outlets reported that shortly before her death she expressed concern about possible legal steps by her husband regarding a second citizenship for their daughter without her consent. Public documentation on this point remains limited.
A public statement by Sailybayeva’s mother was later circulated on social media.
Suspects and Reported Evidence
German investigators have focused on individuals from the victim’s immediate circle. According to media accounts, the victim’s parents publicly named her husband and mother-in-law as responsible; however, no conviction has been issued.
Reporting citing investigative sources states that a conflict allegedly occurred on the night of the disappearance. It is claimed that after Sailybayeva lost consciousness, Dontsov contacted his mother and that both may have inflicted fatal injuries with a heavy object. These assertions remain part of the investigative version described in the press and have not been confirmed in court.
Forensic sources cited by media state that the body was dismembered and that parts may have been stored in a freezer. Reported evidence includes blood traces in an apartment and a vehicle, as well as a knife allegedly containing DNA from both the victim and her mother-in-law. These details derive from media summaries of investigative materials.
Acquaintances interviewed by journalists also alleged prior incidents of domestic violence. One reported SMS message attributed to Sailybayeva read: “Where the ear is red is where he hit, it turned red from his slap.” This quote is reproduced as cited in media coverage and interviews.
Investigation and International Cooperation
Kazakh authorities opened a related case and announced cooperation with German investigators. Deputy Prosecutor General Galymzhan Koigeldiev stated that Kazakhstan sent formal requests to Russia to verify the suspects’ citizenship. Depending on the outcome, jurisdictional steps may follow. Under Russian law, Russian citizens are not subject to extradition.
In February 2026, the head of Russia’s Investigative Committee requested a report following media claims that the suspects were in Moscow. Checks involving law enforcement and border authorities were reportedly initiated.
The case has received broad media coverage in Kazakhstan, Germany, and Russia. Representatives of Sailybayeva’s family have called on authorities to ensure a full and impartial investigation and to hold those responsible accountable if guilt is established.
