Valenko Trial Delayed But Verdict Nears

Home Crime Valenko Trial Delayed But Verdict Nears
The accused murderer Anatoliy Valenko (Photo courtesy America's Most Wanted)

The final chapter in the murder trial of Anatoliy “Tolik” Valenko was delayed after a jury member arrived late at the Brooklyn Supreme Court House Thursday. After the hour and a half delay, prosecution and defense attorneys presented closing remarks  to the jury, which is not expected to begin deliberations until Friday.

Defense attorney Robert Shanley closed his case by saying that the evidence was insufficient. Prosecution attorney Timothy Gough underlined that there was circumstantial evidence and that Valenko had a strong motive. Shanley told the jury that the police work was “sloppy” and noted that there were no fingerprints or other such direct evidence implicating his client. Before the start of yesterday’s trial, Shanley had filed two motions for a mistrial and dismissal of the case on the same grounds. Judge Joel Goldberg denied both motions.

Valenko is accused of killing Fakhat Askarov and girlfriend Larisa Jakovleva in 1995, chopping them up and disposing of the bodies in suitcases in a river in New Jersey. Shortly after the murder, Valenko moved to the Netherlands. He was apprehended there in 2008, and returned to New York. Vladimir Balanchov, an alleged accomplice to the murder remains at large.

The evidence implicating the two includes the purchase of a chain saw that could have been used in the crime and the identification of the bodies. Gough in his closing arguments argued that lack of fingerprints may have been because the murderers cleaned up well after the crime. Gough alleged that Valenko removed blood from walls to make sure that no one could connect the murder to him.

“When (the maid) went in that day after the crime, she said the house was unusually clean,” Gough said. The maid noted that towels were missing, he said, suggesting that they were used in the cleanup.

“This is not a random act of violence,” said Gough. “A knife attack is personal. This is something that does not happen on a street corner. This happens behind closed doors.”
Gough added: “The truth is consistent, falsity is what changes it.”

Judge Goldberg will instruct the jury today followed by deliberations.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.