Verdict for 'Chessboard Killer'

The trial of the man alleged to be Russia's most recent serial killer is entering its final stages. The Jury is expected to pass a verdict for Aleksandr Pichushkin, also known as the 'Chessboard Killer'. He is charged with 49 murders and three attempted m

The prosecution and defense are to begin their summing up in the case. The defendant will also be given his final word in the process.

Afterwards the jury will deliberate for an hour and is expected to pass a verdict. If the opinions are split they will have to vote on whether Pichushkin is guilty or not.

The 33-year-old has already confessed to 48 of the grisly Moscow murders.

It is alleged Pichushkin kept a constant record of his victims and he claims to have killed 63 people, but was aiming to kill 64 – the number of squares on a chess board.

Pichushkin picked Bitsevsky park in Moscow as the place for his killings.

His victims were mostly men, many of them homeless.

He says he lured them into the park by promising them vodka. But instead of alcohol, he hit them over the back of the head with a hammer.

Pichushkin was reported to show no sing of remorse during the process and even having pleasure in detailing his alleged killings.