The Krasnodar Cannibals: The Case of Dmitry and Natalia Baksheev

In 2017, Russian authorities arrested Dmitry and Natalia Baksheev after road workers discovered a lost mobile phone containing graphic photos of human remains. The couple, residents of a military aviation academy dormitory in Krasnodar, was subsequently linked to the murder and dismemberment of a local woman following an alcohol-fueled dispute. While sensational media reports and leaked photos fueled international rumors of serial cannibalisminvolving dozens of victims, investigators formally charged the pair with only a single killing. Natalia was convicted of incitement to murder, while Dmitry received a sentence for the killing and the desecration of a corpse. Dmitry died in prison from chronic illnesses in 2020, leading to a later legal ruling that awarded Natalia financial compensation for his negligent medical care. Collectively, these sources provide a comprehensive look at the forensic evidence, the judicial outcomes, and the enduring urban legends surrounding the case.