Nikolay Alexandrovich Sakharov was born on April 22, 1954, in a village named Nepotyagovo, located in the Vologda Oblast of Russia. He lived with his mother, Galina Alexandrovna, who worked on a collective farm. His father was a disabled veteran who had participated in the war but died when Nikolay was young. Growing up, he was raised by his mother in a rural setting.

In school, Nikolay was known to be disciplined, but he struggled with his studies. Despite these challenges, he joined the Komsomol, which was a youth organization in the Soviet Union, and was a member from 1969 to 1975. After completing the eighth grade, he graduated from the Kubensky Vocational School, where he learned to drive tractors. He then worked as a tractor driver in a state farm called "Prigorodny."

Nikolay served in the army after his time at the state farm. After completing his military service, he worked as a policeman at a special detention center within the Vologda Internal Affairs Directorate from 1974 to 1975. However, this job ended when he was fired due to his connections with someone who was arrested.

After leaving the police, Nikolay faced difficulties finding a job. He worked in various jobs, including a position at Selhoztechnik, but he struggled to keep a steady job. Eventually, he found work as a prison supervisor, but he was dismissed for discipline violations in October 1977.

During this time, Nikolay developed an interest in attracting women. He had many relationships and was married at one point, but the marriage did not last long. His ex-wife cited jealousy as the reason for their divorce. Despite his infidelities, he continued to seek relationships with other women.

In January 1977, Nikolay Alexandrovich Sakharov committed his first crime. This act of violence led to widespread fear in the city. Following this event, several young girls went missing. Reports indicated that five girls had disappeared, creating panic among the townspeople. Rumors spread that dozens of girls were gone, and this heightened the anxiety in the community. To address the situation, the police formed a special investigative group led by Vladimir Dorofeev.

Sakharov was aware that law enforcement was searching for him, but this did not stop his actions. The last known disappearance happened in November 1977 in the village of Maisky. Witnesses reported that one girl entered a Moskvich-403 car, providing police with an important lead. On December 15, 1977, patrol officers arrested Sakharov.

On January 25, 1978, Sakharov confessed to the murders of three girls: Tatyana Svetina, Natalia Vinogradova, and Marina Mukhina. Using his car, he searched for victims in the city and surrounding areas. He often posed as a police officer to lure young girls. After getting them into his car, he took them to isolated areas in the woods, where he assaulted them. He killed the girls using various tools like a hammer or driftwood. Once he committed these acts, he would dispose of the bodies by burning them, breaking the skulls, and then discarding the remains into rivers.

Sakharov attempted to escape from prison in February 1978, but authorities stopped him. His trial began in Vologda from July 18 to July 25, 1978. He stood trial alongside three accomplices who committed thefts with him, but they were not involved in the murders. The trial caused a significant public outcry, and many people flocked to the courthouse to witness the proceedings. Emotions ran high, and there were concerns about potential violence from the crowd.

During the trial, Sakharov admitted to his crimes and expressed a desire not to receive the death penalty. However, the court denied his request. Nikolay Sakharov was executed by firing squad on February 5, 1979.