Limassol murder investigation nears trial as tensions escalate

Limassol CID's investigation into the October 30 murder of 55-year-old Thanasis Kalogeropoulos is nearing completion, with the case file expected to be filed for trial by the Criminal Court next Thursday. Today, the detention order for two of the four suspects, a 41-year-old and a 44-year-old, was extended for another two days.

Tensions ran high as relatives and friends of Kalogeropoulos shouted at the suspects, who arrived at court escorted by a strong police presence wearing bulletproof vests. The investigator revealed that the 41-year-old is suspected of being one of Kalogeropoulos' killers and the driver of the motorcycle used in the escape after setting fire to the murder vehicle.

A firearm bullet casing found at the crime scene contained genetic material from the 41-year-old, who has not cooperated with investigators. The 44-year-old, owner of a mansion in Skarinou believed to be a base for organizing the murder, claimed to have given the house away, but evidence contradicts his statement.

Two other suspects, a 22-year-old and a 21-year-old, are in custody, with the latter allegedly one of the shooters wearing a Halloween mask in a police photo. The 22-year-old is accused of fleeing the scene with the 21-year-old after the murder.

On the day of the murder, the suspects' mobile phones transmitted signals from the mansion, the crime scene, and the area where the vehicle was set on fire. The motorcycle used in the escape has not been located, prompting a search for withheld evidence.

Defense lawyers did not oppose extending their clients' detention for two days. With the expiration coinciding with the detention order of the 22-year-old and the 21-year-old, the case is expected to proceed to trial before the Court of Cassation. The four face charges including conspiracy to commit murder, premeditated murder, possession and transport of firearms and explosives, and theft and arson of a vehicle.