A 62-year-old man, buried alive for four days, was rescued by police after they detected his faint cries for help.
The discovery occurred during an investigation into the death of a 74-year-old woman, found in her home in Ustia, northwest Moldova, on Monday, May 13.
Forensic specialists determined she had died from multiple wounds.
Later that day, an 18-year-old man was arrested at his home in the same village. During questioning, his statements were inconsistent and confusing.
When officers searched his property, they heard cries for help nearby. Following the sound, they realized it was coming from underground.
Digging at the site, they uncovered a makeshift basement and rescued the man, who was conscious but had a neck wound.
The rescued man explained that he and the teenager had been drinking together when an argument ensued, leading to the youth wounding him, locking him in the basement, and covering the entrance with soil.
Police suspect the young man also murdered the elderly woman on Sunday night or early Monday morning.
He has been remanded into custody, facing charges of murder and attempted murder, with the potential for life imprisonment if found guilty.
