Marathon death investigation focuses on victim’s granddaughter and stepfather

The remains of an elderly woman who had been missing for about 10 years were found inside her home in Marathon, Greece, changing an initial belief that she had been buried in the yard.

The woman’s daughter and grandson have been arrested. Investigators are also focusing on the testimony of her 43-year-old granddaughter and her stepfather, who reportedly told the granddaughter that her grandmother had died and might have been buried in the property.

The granddaughter contacted authorities several days ago to express her concern. That led to an investigation and the discovery of the remains in the basement or storage area of the house. The woman is believed to have died around Christmas 2017, although the exact circumstances remain unclear.

A forensic anthropologist is examining the bones to determine whether the death resulted from natural causes or a criminal act. The specialist will also look for possible signs of injury and estimate how long the remains had been at the site.

Authorities are expected to seek records from Greece’s social security agency on pension payments made to the woman, including increases, after her death. A preliminary calculation cited in the report puts the total above 50,000 euros if her monthly pension was about 450 euros.