The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office has released significant details about the suspected murder weapon in the tragic stabbing of a first-time Burning Man attendee, Vadim Kruglov, 37. The victim was found lying in a pool of blood on the night of August 30 during the festival’s iconic burn ceremony in Nevada’s remote Black Rock Desert. A green kitchen knife was discovered near Kruglov’s body, and authorities believe it to be the murder weapon. The sheriff’s office has shared a replica of the knife to help the public identify any potential witnesses or suspects.
The incident occurred just as the towering wooden effigy was set ablaze, amidst a large crowd and fireworks, leading to renewed calls for information from those present during the event. Law enforcement is urging anyone with relevant footage, photos, or recollections—particularly from the timeframe of 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. on the night of the incident—to come forward. The case has added to a challenging year for the festival, which has also seen an electrocution, an unplanned childbirth, and a record number of arrests.
Following the discovery of Kruglov’s body, his father, Igor, released an emotional video from Russia expressing grief and demanding justice.