Topline: Weeks after a man was found dead at the Burning Man festival, authorities released a photo of a green kitchen knife believed to be the murder weapon.
Published: September 25, 2025 8:00 am ET
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Vadim Kruglov, victim at Burning Man (via Sofiia Shcherbakova/Instagram)
LOVELOCK, NV — Pershing County authorities have released new details about a suspected murder weapon in the ongoing investigation into the death of Vadim Kruglov, a Russian national found dead at the Burning Man festival on August 30.
According to 2News Nevada, investigators believe a single stab wound to Kruglov’s neck caused his death. A green kitchen knife was discovered near the victim’s body. A replica photo of the green knife was released this week to generate tips from the public.
Stock photo from Google, not the actual knife ( via Pershing Sheriff’s Office)
The 37-year-old was found “lying in a pool of blood” around 9:14 p.m., just as the main wooden effigy was being set on fire during the annual festival in Nevada’s remote Black Rock Desert.
An attendee found Kruglov’s body and flagged down a deputy. Officials said he was “obviously deceased” when they arrived. Initially, authorities described the victim only as a white male between 35 and 40 with brown hair. He was identified as Kruglov on September 3.
Authorities said the victim was a first-time attendee at Burning Man. His father, Igor, released a video statement from Russia after learning of his son’s death.
“Words can’t express my feelings,” he said. “He stood for justice, and I believe injustice happened here. I want those responsible to face consequences.”
Law enforcement is urging festivalgoers to review any photos or videos from the night of August 30. They are especially interested in the area near 8:00 to 8:45 and I Street between 8:00 and 9:30 p.m., part of Black Rock City’s clock-style street grid.
The sheriff’s office previously said, “We are specifically seeking information regarding any suspect identifiers for any person who would commit such a heinous crime.”
The killing capped a turbulent year at the festival. According to the Reno Gazette Journal, Burning Man also saw reports of an electrocution, an unplanned childbirth, and 44 arrests, which was more than double last year’s total.
The death is the first reported homicide at the festival, though other deaths have occurred. At least eight deaths have been reported at Burning Man since 1990, including Aaron Joel Mitchell, 41, who ran into the festival’s signature effigy in 2017.
According to The Associated Press, Burning Man officials said in a statement that they are cooperating with law enforcement and urged visitors not to impede the investigation.
“The safety and well-being of our community are paramount,” the statement said. It added that support services are available to participants.
Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Police Release Photo of Suspected Murder Weapon in Burning Man Death
Weeks after a man was found dead at the Burning Man festival, authorities released a photo of a green kitchen knife believed to be the murder weapon.
By Kate Byrd
Published: September 25, 2025 8:00 am ET
Vadim Kruglov, victim at Burning Man (via Sofiia Shcherbakova/Instagram)
LOVELOCK, NV — Pershing County authorities have released new details about a suspected murder weapon in the ongoing investigation into the death of Vadim Kruglov, a Russian national found dead at the Burning Man festival on August 30.
According to 2News Nevada, investigators believe a single stab wound to Kruglov’s neck caused his death. A green kitchen knife was discovered near the victim’s body. A replica photo of the green knife was released this week to generate tips from the public.
Stock photo from Google, not the actual knife ( via Pershing Sheriff’s Office)
The 37-year-old was found “lying in a pool of blood” around 9:14 p.m., just as the main wooden effigy was being set on fire during the annual festival in Nevada’s remote Black Rock Desert.
An attendee found Kruglov’s body and flagged down a deputy. Officials said he was “obviously deceased” when they arrived. Initially, authorities described the victim only as a white male between 35 and 40 with brown hair. He was identified as Kruglov on September 3.
Authorities said the victim was a first-time attendee at Burning Man. His father, Igor, released a video statement from Russia after learning of his son’s death.
“Words can’t express my feelings,” he said. “He stood for justice, and I believe injustice happened here. I want those responsible to face consequences.”
Law enforcement is urging festivalgoers to review any photos or videos from the night of August 30. They are especially interested in the area near 8:00 to 8:45 and I Street between 8:00 and 9:30 p.m., part of Black Rock City’s clock-style street grid.
The sheriff’s office previously said, “We are specifically seeking information regarding any suspect identifiers for any person who would commit such a heinous crime.”
The killing capped a turbulent year at the festival. According to the Reno Gazette Journal, Burning Man also saw reports of an electrocution, an unplanned childbirth, and 44 arrests, which was more than double last year’s total.
The death is the first reported homicide at the festival, though other deaths have occurred. At least eight deaths have been reported at Burning Man since 1990, including Aaron Joel Mitchell, 41, who ran into the festival’s signature effigy in 2017.
According to The Associated Press, Burning Man officials said in a statement that they are cooperating with law enforcement and urged visitors not to impede the investigation.
“The safety and well-being of our community are paramount,” the statement said. It added that support services are available to participants.
Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
Must Read
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Police Release Photo of Suspected Murder Weapon in Burning Man Death
Weeks after a man was found dead at the Burning Man festival, authorities released a photo of a green kitchen knife believed to be the murder weapon.
By Kate Byrd
Published: September 25, 2025 8:00 am ET
Vadim Kruglov, victim at Burning Man (via Sofiia Shcherbakova/Instagram)
LOVELOCK, NV — Pershing County authorities have released new details about a suspected murder weapon in the ongoing investigation into the death of Vadim Kruglov, a Russian national found dead at the Burning Man festival on August 30.
According to 2News Nevada, investigators believe a single stab wound to Kruglov’s neck caused his death. A green kitchen knife was discovered near the victim’s body. A replica photo of the green knife was released this week to generate tips from the public.
Stock photo from Google, not the actual knife ( via Pershing Sheriff’s Office)
The 37-year-old was found “lying in a pool of blood” around 9:14 p.m., just as the main wooden effigy was being set on fire during the annual festival in Nevada’s remote Black Rock Desert.
An attendee found Kruglov’s body and flagged down a deputy. Officials said he was “obviously deceased” when they arrived. Initially, authorities described the victim only as a white male between 35 and 40 with brown hair. He was identified as Kruglov on September 3.
Authorities said the victim was a first-time attendee at Burning Man. His father, Igor, released a video statement from Russia after learning of his son’s death.
“Words can’t express my feelings,” he said. “He stood for justice, and I believe injustice happened here. I want those responsible to face consequences.”
Law enforcement is urging festivalgoers to review any photos or videos from the night of August 30. They are especially interested in the area near 8:00 to 8:45 and I Street between 8:00 and 9:30 p.m., part of Black Rock City’s clock-style street grid.
The sheriff’s office previously said, “We are specifically seeking information regarding any suspect identifiers for any person who would commit such a heinous crime.”
The killing capped a turbulent year at the festival. According to the Reno Gazette Journal, Burning Man also saw reports of an electrocution, an unplanned childbirth, and 44 arrests, which was more than double last year’s total.
The death is the first reported homicide at the festival, though other deaths have occurred. At least eight deaths have been reported at Burning Man since 1990, including Aaron Joel Mitchell, 41, who ran into the festival’s signature effigy in 2017.
According to The Associated Press, Burning Man officials said in a statement that they are cooperating with law enforcement and urged visitors not to impede the investigation.
“The safety and well-being of our community are paramount,” the statement said. It added that support services are available to participants.
Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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