A St. Petersburg court has sentenced Marina Kokhal, 41, to twelve-and-a-half years in prison for the murder and dismemberment of her husband, the rapper Andy Cartwright, aged 30. The shocking verdict was delivered after a lengthy trial that revealed disturbing details about the events surrounding Cartwright’s death in 2021. Kokhal, who collapsed in the courtroom as the ruling was announced, has consistently claimed that she did not kill her husband, asserting instead that he died from a drug overdose.
During the trial, Kokhal admitted to using a knife and hacksaw to dismember Cartwright’s body, keeping some of his remains in the refrigerator while disposing of others in various locations, including a washing machine. Despite her admissions, she maintained her innocence regarding the cause of death, suggesting she only sought to hide Cartwright’s drug addiction from the public.
Investigators uncovered evidence indicating that Cartwright may have been alive during the dismemberment, with expert assessments suggesting this occurred “a few minutes, dozens of minutes—before death.” Four independent forensic reviews did not conclusively identify Kokhal as the killer. Nevertheless, the court found her guilty of both murder and desecration of a body.
Details of the Crime and Investigation
The case drew significant media attention, particularly due to the gruesome nature of the crime. Reports indicated that Kokhal had discovered her husband’s secret affair with a fan, Nadia Romanenko, which may have contributed to the fatal confrontation. Detectives speculated that Cartwright could have been killed with an injection of a hard-to-detect insulin substitute, commonly used by diabetics.
During her arrest, Kokhal faced alarming allegations, including accusations of consuming her husband’s blood and engaging in necrophilic acts. Investigators reported that several of Cartwright’s remains were found in the refrigerator, while others were located in trash bags prepared for disposal. Notably, forensic experts confirmed that eight vital organs were missing from the body, deepening the horror surrounding the case.
The court proceedings highlighted the tragic end of Cartwright, whose real name was Alexander Yushko. He was an emerging figure in the music scene, known for his unique style and following. The proceedings also revealed the emotional toll on Kokhal during the trial, as witnesses described her slumping forward on the table when the sentence was read, resulting in a sharp drop in her blood pressure that necessitated medical attention.
Future Implications and Family Impact
Kokhal, who shares a child with Cartwright, is expected to have her sentence postponed until their son reaches the age of 14. This aspect of the case has drawn attention to the broader implications of the tragedy for the child’s future. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this case, the shocking details of what transpired continue to reverberate.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding domestic relationships and the extreme outcomes they can sometimes entail. As this story unfolds, it raises important questions about the underlying issues of addiction, infidelity, and the tragic consequences that can arise from personal conflicts.
