The 23-year-old accused of shooting and killing a 52-year-old man at the village fair was brought to the Chania courthouse on Tuesday afternoon. Elos Kissamos. The transfer was made under tight security for fear of sparking a feud, while the judicial authorities are expected to grant him 48 hours to prepare his plea.
The scene in court:
The young man appeared in handcuffs, wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt and a bulletproof vest, escorted by armored police. Upon arrival, he did not make any statements to reporters and was visibly depressed. The judicial authorities, fearing reactions and possible reprisals, prevented the creation of gatherings around the palace.
Next Saturday, the 23-year-old will apologize for the murder of his 52-year-old cousin in Elos Kissamos. Earlier today he asked for and was granted a deadline to apologize after previously being charged with manslaughter in a calm state of mind, as well as carrying a weapon.
The lawyer of the confessed perpetrator, Giorgos Franzeskakis, stated that the 23-year-old is shocked and deeply regrets his act.
In fact, as Mr. Franceskakis said, the perpetrator himself was the one who indicated the spot where he had left the 22-gauge crime weapon.
The incident at the fair — the perpetrator’s version:
According to what the 23-year-old has testified, initially there was an argument over personal differences and he was removed. A little later he returned to the company of the 52-year-old, who – according to his description – was “moving towards the pocket”. The young man claims that he immediately felt threatened and fired first, citing fear for his life. This version will be checked by the authorities in combination with testimonies and technical findings.
The weapon and investigations:
The police found and confiscated the weapon – it is a 22mm pistol – after searches in the area of the Municipality of Kissamos, an element that strengthens the investigation into the method of action and the origin of the weapon. The findings will be sent for ballistics testing
The village and the atmosphere of tension:
Meanwhile, in Elos Kissamos the 52-year-old’s funeral is being held. His wife spoke of stigmatization and old friction between the families — a chronic undercurrent of hatred that she said had been “simmering” for years. According to witness records, in the past the two families had incidents that escalated the conflict. Local authorities are trying to prevent new tension and possible chain violence.
Case Progress — What’s Coming:
The 23-year-old is expected to request and receive a deadline of 48 hours to prepare his apology, which means that, barring unforeseen circumstances, he will be taken to the investigator next Friday. The investigative actions will include taking statements, physical and laboratory tests (ballistics, finding genetic material, possible digital investigations), as well as examination of the incidents by independent witnesses.