Tbilisi City Court has ordered pre-trial detention for Beka Jaiani, the suspect in the murder of a trangender woman Kesaria Abramidze. The court’s decision came after prosecutors filed a motion seeking custody for Jaiani, which the judge granted. During the hearing, the accused did not make any statements. The pre-trial hearing is scheduled for November 7.
Jaiani was formally charged earlier today by the Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia for the premeditated murder of Kesaria Abramidze under aggravated circumstances. According to the investigation, approximately a week before the murder, Abramidze and Jaiani had a personal disagreement, which led to their separation.
On September 18, at around 15:50, Jaiani purchased an Opinel folding knife from a store in Tbilisi and arranged a meeting with Abramidze. Prosecutors allege that Abramidze agreed to the meeting in exchange for Jaiani posting photos of their relationship on social media. Jaiani complied, posting the photos before meeting her at her apartment.
The investigation revealed that Jaiani arrived near Abramidze’s residence by taxi at approximately 19:10 and stopped at a nearby Nikora store to purchase alcohol. At around 19:27, he entered Abramidze’s apartment. Following a heated argument, driven by motives of revenge, Jaiani allegedly struck Abramidze and inflicted 28 stab wounds with the knife he had purchased earlier that day. The woman died at the scene from the injuries.
Shortly after the murder Jaiani left the apartment building in a hurry and fled the scene. He was later found by police while attempting to leave the city. Authorities apprehended Jaiani near Kopitnari Airport on the road to Samtredia after an intensive search.
During the investigation, law enforcements conducted a covert operation involving audio and video surveillance, during which Jaiani reportedly spoke about the details of the crime.
Jaiani faces charges under Article 109, sections “T” and “M” of the Georgian Criminal Code, which pertain to premeditated murder under aggravated circumstances, including gender-based violence and extreme cruelty. If convicted, he faces a sentence of 16 to 20 years or life imprisonment.
The Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed that the investigation into the case is ongoing.
Kesaria Abramidze, 36, was a Georgian actress and model. She was the first Georgian to publicly acknowledge that she is transgender.
Suspect in transgender Kesaria Abramidze’s murder remanded in custody
