Bulgaria’s “Twin Peaks” Case: Latest Updates on Mysterious Mountain Deaths

Bulgaria continues to grapple with a series of mysterious deaths in the Balkan Mountains, a case that has captivated the nation and drawn comparisons to the television series Twin Peaks. As of February 18, 2026, six individuals have been found dead in two separate locations, prompting a complex investigation involving forensic analysis, witness interviews, and psychiatric evaluations.

The Petrohan Pass Deaths

The initial discovery occurred at the beginning of February, when three men – aged 45, 49, and 51 – were found deceased in the burned-out remains of a lodge near Petrohan Pass, which connects Sofia province with the northwestern Montana province The Guardian. Initial forensic reports suggested the deaths were self-inflicted gunshot wounds, with DNA evidence on the firearms matching the deceased men The Guardian. However, the investigation remains ongoing.

Further examination revealed gunpowder particles on the hands of two of the men, Plamen and Decho. The third man, Ivaylo Ivanov, had bloodied hands, with gunpowder particles found on his sleeves. Ivanov sustained two gunshot wounds, the second of which was fatal The Guardian.

Authorities have reviewed camera footage from the lodge. Some cameras only activated with movement, while recordings from others were destroyed in the fire The Guardian. There is currently no evidence indicating the presence of another person at the lodge on the night of the incident The Guardian.

The Okolchitsa Peak Deaths

On Sunday, February 9, 2026, police discovered the bodies of three more individuals – two men aged 51 and 22, and a 15-year-old boy – in a campervan in the Okolchitsa Peak area, approximately 62 miles north of Sofia Reuters, MSN. These deaths are also being investigated as potential suicides, with evidence of gunshot wounds MSN.

Gunpowder particles were found on the hands of Ivo Kalushev and Nikolay Zlatkov. Kalushev’s blood contained phenobarbital, a sedative and hypnotic agent The Guardian.

Investigation Status and Key Findings

According to Prosecutor Nataliya Nikolova, the evidence collected so far suggests suicides in the Petrohan case and a combination of suicides and murder in the Okolchitsa case The Guardian. She emphasized the complexity of the case, stating it is unlike any she has encountered in her 30 years of practice The Guardian.

Authorities have ruled out the involvement of a DANS (Bulgarian State National Security Agency) agent among the deceased The Guardian.

A witness, Deyan Iliev, is currently abroad and is not facing charges, allowing him to leave the country. His phone was seized during a search The Guardian.

Additional examinations are underway, with a report on issued weapons permits expected within days The Guardian.

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities committed to uncovering the full truth behind these tragic deaths. Psychiatric examinations are being conducted to explore potential motives The Guardian.