Police release details on murder weapon in Burning Man festival homicide investigation

Pershing County detectives on Wednesday released new details in the Burning Man festival homicide investigation, confirming that the victim died from a single stab wound to the neck and that investigators recovered a green kitchen knife believed to be the murder weapon. The revelation comes as authorities seek information from festivalgoers who were in Black Rock City on Aug. 30, when the body of Vadim Kruglov was found and the wooden effigy was set ablaze.

Kruglov, 37, a Russian national living in Tacoma, Washington, was identified by authorities on Sept. 3 as the festival participant who was found lying in a pool of blood on the night of Aug. 30. Deputies discovered the knife nearby, and officials released a replica image of the weapon in a renewed bid to elicit tips from the public. Investigators say the attack occurred around 9:14 p.m., roughly as the towering wooden effigy was ignited in a display featuring fireworks and mass crowds.

The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office said Kruglov was a first-time Burning Man attendee. An attendee reported the body to a deputy, who arrived to find Kruglov already deceased. The investigation has continued as detectives circulate a stock image of a kitchen knife they believe resembles the weapon found near the victim. In their latest update, authorities urged anyone with information about the case to come forward and provided a time window for the events on Aug. 30: roughly 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on I Street between 8th and 9th streets within Black Rock City’s clock-style grid.

The case has cast a pall over what has been a tumultuous year at Burning Man. The festival has reported other incidents, including an electrocution, an unplanned childbirth and a total of 44 arrests—more than double last year’s tally, according to the Reno Gazette Journal. Festival organizers said they are cooperating with law enforcement and urged attendees not to interfere with the investigation, noting that safety and well-being services remain available to participants.

Kruglov’s father, Igor Kruglov, issued an emotional message after his son’s death, saying in a video from Russia that his son stood for justice and that he hopes those responsible will face consequences. Law enforcement has stressed that tips from the public could be crucial in identifying a suspect and advancing the investigation. Officials said they are especially seeking information about any suspect identifiers or appearances of persons seen in the area during the identified time window.

Images from the scene released by investigators show a green, knife-like object that authorities say may be linked to the homicide. The release of these images is part of a broader effort to generate tips that could help identify a person who would commit such a heinous crime. Investigators continue to review surveillance footage, witness statements and social media posts from the night of Aug. 30 as they work to establish a timeline and identify potential suspects.

As the investigation unfolds, officials emphasize that the safety and well-being of Burning Man participants remain the top priority. They reiterated that investigators will pursue all credible leads and that information from attendees could be pivotal to solving the case. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office.

Officials say there is no timetable for releasing any additional information, but emphasize that investigators will provide updates as new tips are evaluated and further evidence is processed. The Burning Man community continues to contend with a high-profile homicide on the desert festival grounds, and authorities have pledged to pursue the case with the same meticulous approach they apply to other violent crimes. In the meantime, festival organizers have reiterated their commitment to safety and to supporting attendees and staff during and after the event.