Man Sentenced to Life for Stabbing and Burning Sister Alive

A man has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of his sister, Alesia Nazarova, in an incident that has shocked the community of Randalstown, Northern Ireland. Kornelijus Bracas, aged 37, received a life sentence with a minimum of 24 years before he can apply for parole. The court found that he stabbed his sister multiple times before setting her on fire while she was still alive.

During a sentencing hearing at Belfast Crown Court, Madam Justice McBride described the crime as particularly heinous. She emphasized Bracas’s “hard-hearted” confession to police, including how he took a knife from the kitchen and “slit [his sister’s] throat” before cleaning the weapon and returning it to its place. The judge noted his “gratuitous violence” and “callous disregard for life” while handing down the sentence.

On March 21, 2023, emergency services responded to reports of a fire at the family home. When they arrived, they discovered that five seats in the house had been set ablaze. Nazarova was found downstairs, while her 12-year-old daughter was rescued from a bedroom on the first floor. Tragically, a post-mortem examination revealed that Nazarova had suffered severe injuries, including between 14 and 15 stab wounds to her neck and four to her abdomen. According to Crown barrister Neil Connor KC, one of the neck wounds was substantial enough to require urgent medical attention.

Bracas’s account of the events leading up to the murder indicates a volatile relationship between the siblings. He claimed that after an argument escalated, he “snapped” and attacked Nazarova as she was ascending the stairs. Following the attack, he reportedly attempted to destroy evidence by igniting the fire. He also admitted to stealing his sister’s bank card and using it to purchase items at a local Tesco.

The court heard that Bracas had a history of violence, with previous convictions for assaulting both his parents. His troubling behavior extended to animal cruelty, as he had previously strangled his mother’s cat. During his arrest, Bracas was found near a Tesco car park, where officers noted a strong smell of heating oil on his clothing.

This tragic incident highlights the severe consequences of domestic violence and the profound impact on families and communities. The sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued vigilance and support for victims of such heinous crimes.