The moniker Forest Maniac refers to an unidentified serial killer from Russia, responsible for the deaths of at least 12 individuals in the Samara Oblast between 1993 and 1997, with a particular focus on couples. Throughout the investigation, multiple suspects were considered, and one individual was convicted for two of the murders; however, his involvement in the other cases remains contentious.

Modus operandi

The killer specifically targeted couples who were parked in their vehicles in secluded areas around Samara and its outskirts, typically during nighttime. He would often surveil potential victims and wait for one to exit the vehicle, at which point he would stab that individual multiple times before turning his attention to the other occupant. In a notable incident, he concealed himself in the bushes and feigned a cry for help to draw victims out of their car. Additionally, there is at least one account from a survivor who reported that he fired a sawed-off shotgun at their vehicle.

There are theories suggesting that the motivations behind these murders may be linked to mystical or occult practices, as some reports indicate that the bodies of certain victims were allegedly arranged in a cross formation.