Police said that the girl's body, with apparent signs of violence, was found buried in the basement of an abandoned house, in the middle of the forest several dozen kilometers from the girl's place of residence.
Two persons currently in temporary detention are suspected of committing the alleged criminal offense. Latvian Television reports that the persons are her father and step-mother.
Criminal proceedings following Article 117 of the Criminal Law on murder in aggravating circumstances have been initiated by the police. Such a crime may be punished by life imprisonment or by deprivation of liberty for a period of 10 to 20 years, with probation monitoring for up to three years, with or without seizure of property.
The VP stresses that the investigation into criminal proceedings is ongoing, and expert examinations have been commissioned. Given that the investigation is active phase, the VP is currently abstaining from further comment.
As reported, on May 5 , the seven-year-old Justīne Reinikova disappeared from Rogovka village, Nautrēnu parish, Rēzekne municipality. It was initially suspected she left on her own accord but different versions were examined by the police. Extensive search efforts had been carried out from day one involving hundreds of police and volunteers.
