Yevgeny Gerasimenko, Saratovsky Rasklad , July 26, 2006, Saratov

Gerasimenko, a correspondent for the independent weekly Saratovsky Rasklad, was found dead in his apartment in Saratov in southeastern Russia, according to local press reports. Saratov Department of Interior spokesman Denis Zheltov said forensic evidence indicated that Gerasimenko had been killed around 1 a.m., the local television channel GTRK Saratov reported. Gerasimenko's mother found the journalist with a plastic bag over his head and multiple bruises on his body. Police found no signs of forced entry, but Gerasimenko's computer was missing, local reports said.

Gerasimenko had been investigating the corporate takeover of a local commercial enterprise, Saratovsky Rasklad Editor-in-Chief Vladimir Spiryagin told the United Volga news Web site. Spiryagin said Gerasimenko was supposed to file a story on the corporate takeover on July 18 but missed the deadline--something the editor said was very unusual for Gerasimenko.

Colleagues told CPJ that Gerasimenko's murder could be connected to his work. Saratovsky Rasklad often publishes business and political analyses and investigations. The Saratov prosecutor's office opened a criminal case but did not immediately comment on possible motives, press reports said.