Family of murdered Maido in Valga: accused woman must not be released

A brutal murder took place in early April on the banks of the Pedeli River in Valga, claiming the life of 37-year-old Maido, who was beaten, stabbed, and thrown into the river. A hearing was held at Tartu County Court's Valga courthouse, where one of the accused, Kaie Kruusamägi, sought to replace her detention with electronic monitoring. Maido's relatives oppose the request and demand that the woman remain in custody.

In Valga, on the banks of the Pedeli River, a murder was committed in early April 2026 that shocked all of Estonia. 37-year-old Maido lost his life in an exceptionally brutal manner, he was beaten, stabbed, and then his body was thrown from a bridge into the river.

The man's final evening

According to the prosecution, Maido spent the last night of his life on the banks of the Pedeli River in the company of others, where alcohol was consumed. The situation escalated into extreme violence. Before that, the man had been at his uncle Kalevi's apartment, from which he left with a promise to return later, but that never happened.

Release sought in court

On 18 June 2026, a hearing was held at Tartu County Court's Valga courthouse to address the situation of one of the women accused in the murder, Kaie Kruusamägi. Kaie has been in custody and filed a request with the court to replace her detention with electronic monitoring. "I want to care for my children and go to work," Kaie explained her desire to be released.

Relatives opposed

Maido's relatives were categorically against the request. According to them, the woman must not under any circumstances be released, given the severity of the crime committed. "She certainly must not be released, she hurt Maido so much!" the relatives expressed their position during the court proceedings. For the relatives, it is first and foremost a matter of justice, Maido's death was exceptionally brutal, and the release of the accused would seem like an insult to them.

The court must now decide whether Kaie Kruusamägi will remain in custody or be allowed to remain under electronic monitoring. The murder case continues to be investigated, and the trial is still in its early stages.