Vladimir Nikolaevich Retunsky was born on February 4, 1950, in Povorino, a town in Voronezh Oblast, RSFSR. He had a simple upbringing in a small community. As a young man, he faced challenges that shaped his early life. Before marrying and having a son, he had some serious legal troubles. He was tried for rape and causing death by negligence. Before his legal issues, Retunsky worked as a driver at the VAZ company, which was located in his hometown.

Vladimir Nikolaevich Retunsky killed eight women between 1990 and 1996. He picked up each victim at the roadside. Retunsky would lure them into his truck, which lacked a door handle on the passenger's side. Once inside, he would threaten them and then rape them. After that, he would kill them. Reports also said he mutilated some of the bodies. He cut off body parts and took them with him.

Retunsky's killing spree ended in 1996 when he was arrested. The police detained him after he took home a victim's rottweiler puppy. The puppy was seen near his house, which led the authorities to investigate him. During a search of his home, they found pornographic films and notebooks filled with poems related to his crimes. Although eight murders were confirmed, Retunsky only admitted to two.

His trial was closed to the public, and he needed heavy security due to the fear of backlash from the community. The Voronezh Regional Court sentenced him to death. However, after he appealed, his sentence was changed to 15 years in prison since life sentences were not available at the time. He served his sentence at Vladimir Central Prison.

In 2012, Retunsky was released after completing his sentence. When he returned to his hometown, he moved in with his sister. He was placed on police watch and was not allowed to leave his house from 10 PM to 6 AM or visit entertainment places. The families of his victims were given protection.

Later, in spring 2012, Retunsky was arrested again. This time, it was for stealing 1,500 rubles. The Povorino District Court sentenced him to five years in prison. He was released from the strict regime penal colony on July 22, 2015.