Anatoli Neželski was born on January 22, 1951. He grew up in Estonia and worked on fishing boats during his youth. This job allowed him to travel to various seaports. After spending time on fishing boats, he changed his career path and started working in a plywood and furniture factory. While at the factory, Neželski developed a strong interest in firearms. He even created a pistol for himself during this time.

Neželski married a local woman, but their marriage did not last. Soon after their wedding, they divorced. His ex-wife described him as a religious fanatic. She noted that he would go to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral every morning to pray to God. After the divorce, he found a job as a security guard at a shop in Priisle. He also worked as a druzhinnik, which involved assisting with various tasks, whenever he could.

Anatoli Neželski committed a series of crimes in Estonia, starting in 1994. His first murder happened on June 27, 1994, when he broke into his ex-wife's home in Lasnamäe. At the house, he confronted her new boyfriend, Gennadi, and shot him with a self-made pistol.

On August 31, 1994, Neželski attempted another robbery at a currency exchange office called the Antonius bureau de change on Luise Street. There, he encountered the manager, Jüri. During the confrontation, both men exchanged gunfire, and Jüri was killed while Neželski sustained injuries to his leg. He could not steal any money during this incident.

The third crime took place on March 7, 1996. Neželski entered the Hansabank building on Liivalaia Street, where he tried to extort money from an accountant named Rita. When she fought back, he shot her with a pistol he had purchased. He then stole a bag containing 49,000 krooni and went into hiding.

Following these events, Neželski spent two years on the run, using stolen money to pay for living expenses and moving between different hiding spots. He tried to avoid capture by stealing food from stores.

On March 17, 1998, he was arrested while collecting bottles. After his capture, he confessed to all three murders and was convicted. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison and ordered to pay damages to the victims' families.

In 2009, after serving 11 years, he sought early release, claiming to feel remorse for his actions. He later withdrew his appeal and was released in March 2013. He now lives freely in Tallinn.