Man Accused in Myrtó's Death Denies Trafficking, Claims Friendship

The tragic death of 19-year-old Myrtó continues to cast a dark shadow, with Ta Nea delving into the complex and disturbing details surrounding the case. The article focuses on the testimony of a 23-year-old man, who vehemently denies accusations of trapping Myrtó and insists on their friendship. His account, given from within his cell in Korydallos prison, presents a starkly different version of events than what Myrtó's family reportedly believes.

“

That night when I went with Myrtó to the room, I put on a wig and makeup. When the 26-year-old took Myrtó out, the reason I stayed in the room was to take off my wig, clothes, and remove my makeup.

He claims that on the night in question, he and Myrtó went to a room, where he put on a wig and makeup. He states he remained in the room to remove his disguise after the 26-year-old, identified as a weightlifter, took Myrtó out. This detail, along with his assertion that they were simply friends who met to listen to music and film TikTok videos, directly contradicts any notion of him being involved in a trafficking scheme or criminal organization. The narrative he constructs is one of a casual encounter gone tragically wrong, not a premeditated act of exploitation.

“

Myrtó was my friend and everything being said about trafficking is not true. I am not involved in any ring or any criminal organization.

Adding another layer of mystery is the 18-year-old girl who was in the adjacent room. Her account, relayed through sources close to her, suggests she was told by the 23-year-old that he found Myrtó unresponsive upon entering the room. Her fear reportedly kept her inside, and she only spoke with the 23-year-old later. This testimony, combined with the text messages exchanged between Myrtó and her boyfriend that night, paints a fragmented picture of the final hours.

“

We met 1.5 years ago at a wedding in Kefalonia and started hanging out. Our acquaintance is not recent. At Easter, I went to Kefalonia and we met 2-3 times for coffee and drinks.

From a Greek perspective, as explored by Ta Nea, this case touches upon sensitive issues of trust, exploitation, and the complexities of relationships, particularly among young people. The conflicting narratives—the family's suspicions of trafficking versus the accused's claims of friendship—highlight the challenges faced by investigators. The article emphasizes the human element, including the grief of Myrtó's mother ('I lost my whole life') and the shock of the weightlifter's grandmother, while also scrutinizing the timeline and the roles of the individuals present. The focus on the 'mysterious girl' and the details of the text messages underscores the media's role in piecing together a tragic puzzle, reflecting a national preoccupation with understanding such devastating events.

“

I lost my whole life.