Yakov_Yurovsky--Alexandra_Feodorovna_(Alix_of_Hesse)

Yakov Mikhailovich Yurovsky (Russian: Яков Михайлович Юровский, pronounced [ˈjakəf mʲɪˈxajləvʲɪtɕ jʊˈrofskʲɪj]; 19 June [O.S. 7 June] 1878 – 2 August 1938) was a Russian Old Bolshevik, communist revolutionary, and Soviet Chekist (secret policeman). Yurovsky was commander of the guard at Ipatiev House during the assassination of the Romanov family on the night of 17 July 1918. He is known as the chief executioner of Emperor Nicholas II of Russia, his family, and four of their servants. Yurovsky was responsible for the distribution of weapons, ordering the family to the cellar room, announcing the execution to the family, and the disposal of the eleven bodies.