Mikhail Popkov, nicknamed ‘The Werewolf’ killed 22 women over a prolonged period of time in Russia. However, it’s now believed he could be responsible for at least 39 other murders.
The twisted killer once carved out the heart of one of his victims. Another’s head was sliced from her body. Chillingly, it’s believed the policeman, and married father of one, would offer women a lift in his police car before raping them and brutally killing them with axes and screwdrivers.
Popkov, 50, was jailed for life earlier this year but it’s now reported that he is being investigated for the other deaths. It’s thought he is working with police in their investigations in Russia.
One newspaper today claimed: “Almost every day a new crime is added to his track record,” while another said his victim count could be as high as 61.
It’s claimed his murderous spree began after Popkov became obsessed his wife was unfaithful. He then hurt other women to cleanse the area surrounding where he lived.
“I just had some reasons to suspect her,” he told the police. “I'm not looking for excuses, but this was the impetus for my future.”
“Everyone goes through such things differently: some take it easy and forget, others take it painfully. What happened with me? The worst-case scenario.”
His wife, Elena, 48, stood by him after he was sentenced.
At the time she said: “We have been married for 28 years. If I suspected something wrong, of course, I would divorce with him. I support him, I believe him. If he were to be released right now, I would not say a word and we would continue to live together.”
It’s now believed she has moved to another city to try and start a new life.