A Peoples' Court Thursday sentenced the "Rostov Ripper" to die by shooting for 52 sex-and-torture murders during a 12-year rampage through southern Russia, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.
The three-man panel ordered the execution of Andrei Chikatilo, 57, closing the book on a massive manhunt that involved more than 50 special investigators.Chikatilo, who admitted the killings and described himself as a "mad beast," beat on the metal bars of his courtoom cage as the sentence was read.
Chikatilo's lawyer rejected the court's finding that his client was sane. He said he would appeal the verdict.
Spectators greeted the sentence with a storm of applause. But relatives of the victims, who packed the gallery, exploded in anger.
"You gave him nothing. Give him to us, give this murderer to us," cried a pale-faced woman, trying to break through a line of security forces guarding the cage shielding Chikatilo.
Chikatilo stumped police for 12 years.