Family of murdered 15-year-old Nastja from Kohtla-Järve speak out about their pain for the first time

In April 2018, 15-year-old Nastja was found murdered in Kohtla-Järve. Her mother Katrin and family members now speak publicly for the first time about the pain that continues to haunt them. Their last evening together was calm and loving; the next morning everything changed forever.

On 14 April 2018, Katrin, a Kohtla-Järve resident, spent a Saturday evening with her two daughters. They watched the television programme "You Are Super!" together, laughed and chatted. No one could have imagined that this would be their last peaceful moment together as three; the next morning, their older daughter, 15-year-old Nastja, was found murdered.

Eight years have passed, but the wound has not healed. Nastja's mother and family members have now decided to speak out publicly for the first time about what they have endured and what continues to haunt them.

"You always see the face in the coffin before your eyes," describes one family member this haunting memory that offers no peace either day or night. Every milestone, every ordinary day carries the memory of a loss that neither time nor words can ease.

Nastja's case shook the entire Kohtla-Järve community at the time. A young life brutally ended, this story left its mark not only on the family but also on everyone who knew the girl. According to family members, the hardest part has been that the pain does not disappear but transforms, different each year, yet no less profound.

The family hopes that by sharing their story, they can help others who find themselves in a similar situation, those who have lost a loved one to violence and must find the strength to carry on every single day.