Four murder suspects accused in Thanasis Kalogeropoulos’s murder will remain in custody until their trial on January 23, 2024, as the Limassol Court extended their detention due to the risk of them fleeing before the trial. The prosecution presented evidence linking the suspects to the crime and argued for their continued detention.
Why will the four murder suspects remain in custody until their trial?
The four individuals accused in Thanasis Kalogeropoulos’s murder will remain in custody to prevent them from fleeing before their trial, which is scheduled for January 23, 2024. The Limassol Court decided to extend their detention after considering the prosecution’s evidence and the risk of the accused not appearing for trial.
Limassol Court Extends Detention
Four individuals accused in the case of Thanasis Kalogeropoulos’s murder will continue to be held in custody. This decision came after a recent hearing at the Limassol District Court, which took place on Monday. The court faced the task of determining whether to keep the suspects detained until the commencement of their trial, which is scheduled for January 23, 2024, at the Limassol Criminal Court.
Defendants’ Responses to Detention
The hearing revealed a divide among the accused; three of the four suspects opposed continued detention. Only one of the defendants refrained from objecting to the extension of their custody. The prosecution’s stance was firm, advocating for the detention of all four individuals. They argued that there’s a palpable risk the accused may not show up for the trial if released.
Bail Propositions and Prosecution’s Evidence
The trio willing to challenge their detention proposed a bail payment and regular check-ins at a local police station, indicating their intention to cooperate with authorities. The prosecution, however, disclosed specific details concerning the murder of Kalogeropoulos, emphasizing the necessity to keep the suspects behind bars.
The Case Unfolds
In a shocking event late October, Kalogeropoulos, known to the police, met his demise in a hail of bullets as he headed for his morning swim in a bustling section of Limassol. His assassins attacked from a close range of two meters, escaping in a vehicle which was later found torched, their flight continuing on a motorcycle.
Evidence Against the Accused
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The first defendant, a 41-year-old accused of driving the motorcycle, was tied to the crime scene when his genetic material was discovered on a balaclava. Additionally, there’s written evidence claiming he exhibited a Kalashnikov and a pistol during a video call from the residence of another suspect prior to the killing.
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The second defendant, a 44-year-old house owner, allegedly provided his home as the operation’s nerve center while residing elsewhere for a steep monthly rent of €6,000. Additionally, his interaction with the victim before the murder has come under scrutiny.
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For the third defendant, a 22-year-old, surveillance footage allegedly places him at key locations, including the mansion of the 44-year-old, both before and after the murder. Items potentially linked to the crime—shell casings and clothes—were found at his residence.
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The final defendant, 21 years old and suspected to be the motorcycle passenger, is believed to have prepped the motorcycle for the getaway. His connection to the crime was further supported by CCTV evidence and telecommunications data on the day of the murder.
Security Measures in Court
Security was heightened during the court appearance, with all suspects donning bullet-proof vests. This step was taken in response to a previous incident where the victim’s associates caused a commotion outside the courtroom.
With the suspects remaining in custody, the legal process continues to unfold as the community awaits the forthcoming trial.
Quick Recap
- Four murder suspects accused in Thanasis Kalogeropoulos’s murder will remain in custody until their trial on January 23, 2024.
- The Limassol Court extended their detention due to the risk of them fleeing before the trial.
- Three of the four suspects opposed continued detention, while one defendant did not object.
- The prosecution presented evidence linking the suspects to the crime and argued for their continued detention.
- Security measures were heightened during the court appearance due to a previous incident.
