demosthenous murder — demosthenous murder — The murder case of businessman Stavros Demosthenous has taken a significant turn as new evidence was presented by the prosecution during court proceedings. Demosthenous was tragically gunned down last month just a few metres from his home in Limassol.
- As of November 7, the investigation had led to the detention of at least eight suspects, with some released due to lack of evidence.
Four suspects, all implicated in the murder, are scheduled to face trial at the Limassol criminal court on January 29. This follows an announcement made by authorities on Thursday, confirming their direct involvement.
Demosthenous murder: New Testimonies and Evidence
As the investigation unfolds, a key testimony has emerged from an eyewitness who observed a white van that was later set ablaze. This individual noted that the van’s right back door window was broken, and a second vehicle was present nearby, unable to pass due to the commotion. Notably, this witness described a second man at the scene who was wearing a distinctive ‘Zorro-style’ hat and glasses.
Further strengthening the prosecution’s case, laboratory tests have revealed that DNA collected from the hat abandoned by the suspects belongs to a 31-year-old man, identified as the alleged shooter. State laboratories also discovered traces of forensic material indicating the hat was likely used by someone who either fired a gun or was in close proximity to the act.
Profiles of the Suspects
The prosecution’s case file outlines the roles of the suspects involved. Among them are two 30-year-olds; one is alleged to have facilitated the purchase and sale of the motorcycle used during the escape, while the other is a convicted prisoner, accused of orchestrating the murder from behind bars.
Additionally, a 51-year-old suspect has had his DNA linked to a stolen vehicle connected to the crime, whereas the other suspect, a 31-year-old of Georgian descent, is accused of procuring fake licence plates for the getaway vehicle and assisting two Georgians in fleeing Cyprus.
Clarifications on Nationality
The embassy of Georgia in Nicosia has clarified that the two Georgians in question are not actual Georgian nationals but rather “Pontian Greeks”—individuals of Greek descent born in Georgia who hold Greek citizenship exclusively.
These two suspects, aged 28, were apprehended in Thessaloniki in late October under a European arrest warrant and are currently waiting extradition back to Cyprus. They are expected to be incorporated into the trial at a later date.
Investigative Developments
Following their arrest, law enforcement located a vehicle with Cypriot registration at one of the suspects’ residences. This car, registered to the 31-year-old suspect, contained documents that suggested plans for their escape from Cyprus by ferry to Turkey.
The indictment filed against the suspects includes a total of 17 charges, 16 of which apply to all four defendants. These charges encompass serious offences such as premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit murder, arson, and illegal possession and use of firearms.
Notably, the 51-year-old suspect faces an additional charge of receiving stolen property but remains at liberty after a court ruling on November 5 that found insufficient evidence to justify extending his detention.
Trial Expectations
As the case progresses, it has been assigned a serial number, although there are indications it may be refiled to include the two Georgians once their cases are officially combined. In total, the prosecution has lined up 104 witnesses, including three individuals who had previously been arrested but later released.
Stavros Demosthenous was fatally shot on October 17 while seated in a car next to his 18-year-old son in the Ayios Athanasios area of Limassol. Police investigations suggest that the gunfire originated from a van that was directly in front of their vehicle, which was later discovered engulfed in flames. A motorcycle, believed to be linked to the murder, was also found abandoned in the vicinity.
As of November 7, the investigation had led to the detention of at least eight suspects, with some released due to lack of evidence.
