Additional Coverage:
A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Luna stayed close to the spot in a Moscow woodland where the dismembered body of her owner, Natalya Bozhuk, was found nearly two weeks after her disappearance. Bozhuk, 39, a former beauty queen and aspiring television presenter, vanished after a confrontation at her home.
Authorities, collaborating with Interpol, tracked down and arrested Pavel Kozlov, 44, a businessman and Bozhuk’s partner, who is the prime suspect in her murder. Kozlov reportedly fled first to Turkey and then to Northern Cyprus before being apprehended and extradited back to Russia.
Bozhuk was last seen walking Luna near Romashkovo in the Moscow region. She gained recognition in 2017 as a contestant in the Mrs.
Russia Universe pageant, where she won the Mrs. Charm title, and also ran a modeling agency.
After her disappearance, investigators focused their search efforts around the area where Luna was found seeking shelter.
According to Interior Ministry spokeswoman Major General Irina Volk, a violent argument occurred between Bozhuk and Kozlov at their shared residence, during which Kozlov inflicted fatal injuries on her. Following the attack, he attempted to cover up the crime. A large bag containing Bozhuk’s severed body parts was later recovered in the woodland.
CCTV footage revealed Kozlov moving heavy bags from their apartment over several days, loading them into an SUV. Disturbingly, the footage also showed him abandoning Luna by throwing her out of the apartment before fleeing. Kozlov appeared with a limp, a bandaged hand, and a visible black eye-injuries that may have resulted from the altercation.
Despite efforts by Bozhuk’s mother to coax Luna away, the dog remained near the outbuilding where the body was found. Local villagers have since cared for Luna and expressed a desire to keep her, though her long-term care has yet to be determined.
Before her tragic death, Bozhuk had recently graduated from the Ostankino Higher School of Film and Television in Moscow and was preparing to launch a career as a TV presenter. Kozlov is now in custody as the investigation continues.