Police officer kills wife, then himself in Drama; mental health care questioned

A double tragedy has shaken the local community of Drama, Greece, where a 50-year-old police officer murdered his 45-year-old wife before committing suicide. The incident has brought to light new details regarding the perpetrator's mental health and the professional care he received.

Investigators discovered that the officer had been prescribed medication and was attending sessions with a psychologist and a psychiatrist in the months leading up to the murdersuicide. He had privately consulted a Hellenic Police psychologist in March, who, after two sessions, referred him to a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist reportedly prescribed medication, though it remains unknown if the officer followed the treatment plan.

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I did not discern anything alarming to inform the service. I saw a man trying to get through his separation more gently and wanting to manage it. I referred him to a private psychiatrist. I had only seen him twice.

According to journalist Vasilis Labropoulos, the police psychologist involved did not react appropriately and acted solely in a private capacity without informing the authorities. The psychologist, who joined the force in June 2024, assessed the officer as experiencing significant stress and panic attacks but did not deem it necessary to report to his superiors. "I did not discern anything alarming to inform the service. I saw a man trying to get through his separation more gently and wanting to manage it. I referred him to a private psychiatrist. I had only seen him twice," the psychologist stated.

Sources close to the couple confirmed that both had sought psychological help. The wife had also begun her own psychiatric sessions in February. Despite these efforts, tensions within the household reportedly escalated dangerously.

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The man was not right towards her. He insulted her, he belittled her. The woman was not present in the relationship.

The psychologist treating the wife described a relationship filled with tension and manipulative behavior. "The man was not right towards her. He insulted her, he belittled her. The woman was not present in the relationship," he stated. He added that the wife had mentioned threats and had informed the police. He suggested she take protective measures, change her locks, and consult a lawyer. "She had already informed (her service), she told me in our last session. That there was a problem with some threats," the psychologist noted, adding that the wife had even requested a transfer for safety reasons.

Relatives of the 45-year-old woman reported that about two weeks before the murder, the 50-year-old had threatened her with his service weapon. However, the police officer did not file a complaint or officially inform her department, possibly to protect their children and her husband's career. The questions surrounding the adequacy of the mental health support provided and the actions taken by those involved remain open.

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She had already informed (her service), she told me in our last session. That there was a problem with some threats.