Italian suspect in Greek double homicide maintains innocence, claims mother killed son before suicide
Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A 65-year-old Italian man remains imprisoned in Greece, accused of a double homicide of a mother and son.
- New evidence, including DNA from the mother on the murder weapon, suggests she may have killed her son before taking her own life.
- The suspect maintains his innocence, claiming the mother was in a bad psychological state and committed the murders before her suicide.
A Greek man, who is the brother of the 65-year-old Italian suspect, has expressed his certainty that his brother is not involved in the double homicide of a mother and son in Aigio, Greece. The suspect himself, speaking from Korydallos prison, insists on his innocence and claims the mother, Maria, in a poor psychological state, shot her son, Olympios, before committing suicide. He stated, "I am innocent. I cannot mourn. I want this case to end. I have nothing else to say other than what I have been saying from the beginning. Maria, being in a bad psychological state, shot Olympios. And then she took her own life."
The investigation into the deaths of the 54-year-old mother and her son is ongoing, with authorities exploring all scenarios. Recent laboratory findings have added new layers to the mystery. DNA from the mother was found on the murder weapon, along with genetic material from an unidentified individual. Gunpowder residue was also discovered on the mother's hands, suggesting she may have fired the weapon used to kill her son.
I am innocent. I cannot mourn. I want this case to end. I have nothing else to say other than what I have been saying from the beginning. Maria, being in a bad psychological state, shot Olympios. And then she took her own life.
Despite these findings, the defense is preparing to file a request for the Italian man's release next week. They reportedly possess evidence that they believe refutes the initial double homicide theory. The suspect's brother passionately defended him, stating, "He still loves Maria, despite what happened. He still loves her, he cries every day for Olympios. Olympios was a handsome guy, such a good person. My brother has never killed a fly. My brother to pick up a gun and kill someone? It's impossible. If I thought my brother killed Maria and Olympios, I would tell you yes, that he should stay in prison for many lives."
The case, which occurred approximately 45 days ago, continues to captivate authorities and the public as they seek to unravel the truth behind the tragic deaths.
He still loves Maria, despite what happened. He still loves her, he cries every day for Olympios. Olympios was a handsome guy, such a good person. My brother has never killed a fly. My brother to pick up a gun and kill someone? It's impossible. If I thought my brother killed Maria and Olympios, I would tell you yes, that he should stay in prison for many lives.
Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.