Shymkent court sentences Sherkhan Aimakhan to life for murder of Nuray Serikbay
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Shymkent's specialized interdistrict criminal court sentenced Sherkhan Aimakhan to life imprisonment for the murder of 21-year-old Nuray Serikbay with particular cruelty, forced marriage and stalking. The court ordered him to pay 25 million tenge in moral damages and 5 million tenge in legal fees to the victim's relatives. The verdict has not entered into legal force.
The Sentence
Shymkent's specialized interdistrict criminal court sentenced Sherkhan Aimakhan to life imprisonment for the murder of 21-year-old Nuray Serikbay with particular cruelty, forced marriage and stalking. The court ordered Aimakhan to pay 25 million tenge in moral damages and 5 million tenge in legal fees to the victim's relatives. The family had sought 10 billion tenge in moral damages and planned to donate the entire amount to charity. The verdict has not entered into legal force.
Evidence and Defense
The defense sought to exclude the forced marriage and stalking charges, and Aimakhan argued he was in a relationship with Serikbay and that she had agreed to marry him. Prosecutors presented evidence that Serikbay told her mother she had been forcibly abducted, and her father said he twice asked Aimakhan's father to intervene. A forensic expert demonstrated 36 stab wounds on a mannequin, showing that all injuries were inflicted while Serikbay was alive and that some wounds reached 7-8 centimeters deep. Aimakhan's claims of memory loss, investigative pressure and psychiatric treatment did not persuade the court.
Police Handling
The court separately examined Serikbay's report to police after her abduction in October 2025. Dismissed Karatau district police officer Abilgazy Artykbay testified that he persuaded Serikbay "not to ruin the guy's life" instead of opening a criminal case. No criminal case was opened at that stage.
What's Next
An appeal may be filed against the life sentence in a higher court. It remains unclear whether the defence or the victim's family will challenge the sentence or the 25 million tenge damages award.
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Shymkent court sentences Sherkhan Aimakhan to life for murder of Nuray Serikbay
