The Case of the Murder of Farion: Dogs Confirmed the Accused's Scent by 99.9%.

According to ТСН: A new hearing in the murder case of linguist Iryna Farion took place in Lviv, at the Shevchenkivskyi District Court. The focus of the meeting was on the results of the odorological examination, which indicates the possible involvement of the accused, Vyacheslav Zinchenko.

Expert Vitaliy Mandryk, who participated in the meeting remotely, stated that the scent traces from the crime scene were compared to samples from the accused.

“Every person has their unique scent, like DNA or fingerprints. Three certified dogs confirmed the match of the accused’s scent with the scent at the scene of the event by 99.9%,”

said Mandryk.

During the hearing, prosecutors and the defense examined the shell casing found at the crime scene. Lawyer Ihor Sulima pointed out the deformation of the shell casing and expressed doubts about its examination. He also noted that the firearm 'Zoraki', mentioned earlier in the case, does not have an aperture for the ejection of shells.

In response, prosecutor Dmytro Petlyovanyi explained that the prosecution does not assert that the shot was fired specifically from the 'Zoraki', but relies on the facts of Zinchenko's consultations regarding weapon modifications.

The daughter of the deceased, Sofia Osoba, emphasized that the witness's testimony and the results of the scent examination eliminate any doubts about the involvement of the accused.

“The expert said that 99% match… There are no doubts that this was Zinchenko. The lawyers are trying to come up with something out of nothing,”

commented Sofia Osoba.

The next court session is scheduled for January 8, where the extension of the preventive measure for the accused will be considered.

What is Known About the Murder of Iryna Farion

On July 19, 2024, in Lviv, on Masaryka Street, an unknown person shot professor Iryna Farion in the head. It was not possible to save her — the doctors confirmed her death. Initially, the case was investigated as an attempted murder, later it was reclassified as intentional murder.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on July 25, 2024, the detention of the suspect in Dnipro — 18-year-old Vyacheslav Zinchenko. Searches were conducted in the Bryukhovychi forest near Lviv, covering over 100 hectares.

On July 26, 2024, a preventive measure was chosen for Zinchenko — custody without the right to bail for 60 days. Later, in December 2024, the case was reclassified and sent to court under the articles 'Intentional murder motivated by national intolerance' and 'Illegal handling of weapons.'

In 2025, the court reached the final stage of the case review, and Zinchenko's preventive measure was extended for another 60 days in September. During court sessions, the daughter of the deceased, Sofia Osoba, also spoke about threats from the so-called 'Zinchenko sect.'

This case has drawn public attention and sparked discussions on issues of violence and discrimination. Court hearings are ongoing, and the results of the examinations could significantly influence the further progress of the case. The investigation is working to establish all the circumstances of the murder, trying to uncover the truth in this tragic situation.