Kirov Murder Mystery

Sorry! This is copied out of a word doc!:)


1. In what circumstances ti the assassin carry out the murder?
He was able to get into the building while Kirov's body guard was downstairs, wait in the hallway all day, and then while his body guard was not with him, shot Kirov. Previously the assassin was caught, questioned but given back his gun. 2. What strange coincidences surround the murder?
Kirov had just gained popularity among the 7th party congress- making him a threat to Stalin, the man who assassinated Mr. Kirov was also seen near his building, and neigborhood right before the murder- he also had NKVD friends, whom he enjoyed shooting his revolver with. 3. Is there any evidence to link Stalin to the murder?
although there is no evidence, there is however a lot of conspiracy that he was eliminating the competition, and that he was aiming to make himself the only person in power; as well as beginning show trials, and the reason to purge. 
4. Is there any evidence to suggest that the NKVD was involved in the murder?
Yes, they had earlier questioned the assassin and let HIM go with his revolver, it is also alleged that an NKVD man posed as Nikolayev's friend and shot his revolver with him, as if to teach him how to use his revolver.
5. Who had the best motive for the murder?
Stalin, because he wouldn't want to have anyone who would be competing with him for the power of the party, especially if they were more popular then stalin. Also, i think that he would not have wanted anyone to get in the way of his purging. 
6. What theories can you suggest about who was responsible - was it the assassin alone or were others involved?
I think that the assassin was  influenced by the NKVD and Stalin because they would have the most reasons to be motivated to kill off Kirov for security of power, and security of the popular vote. They would also be more experienced (NKVD) in the art of assassination.