Paphos stabbing victim dies in hospital

A man who was stabbed in Paphos ten days ago succumbed to his injuries on Friday, with a suspect in the case re-arrested on premeditated murder charges while denying any involvement.

According to police, 46-year-old Igor Kamanets from Ukraine died Friday night in the Intensive Care Unit of Paphos General Hospital, where he was being treated following a stabbing incident on July 15.

A 38-year-old Russian national already in remanded custody on attempted murder charges was re-arrested on murder conspiracy and premeditated charges. He was apprehended by authorities after the victim’s girlfriend gave a statement to police.

The incident came to light three days later when Kamanets visited the Emergency Room at Paphos General on July 18, with a stab wound in the abdomen. Reports said the victim's brother had driven him to the ER.

Different accounts of events

Kamanets reportedly told doctors he initially did not think the injury was serious, while also telling police officers, who rushed to the ER to investigate, that he was hitchhiking three days back when a car stopped to offer a ride.

The victim said an unknown male in the front passenger seat got out of a dark Mazda and demanded money for a car ride but ended up stabbing him after Kamanets refused to pay some €40.

But police said the victim’s version of events did not appear to hold up.

Additional reports said Kamanets’ girlfriend told police on July 18 that her boyfriend lied to officers for his own reasons, namely he did not want authorities involved in the case.

Victim's girlfriend also arrested

The woman, who was also placed under arrest on a migration violation according to local media, identified the Russian suspect as the alleged perpetrator, telling investigators that after the stabbing incident Kamanets had told her that the suspect was responsible for the attack.

Reports said the victim did not refer to the suspect by name but the woman told police she understood he was talking about the suspect.

“That worthless man was waiting for me to ambush me and you were right about him,” he told her according to local media.

The suspect has denied any involvement in the case since his initial arrest on Thursday.

Police on Saturday did not immediately confirm or deny an arrest for the woman, while no details about her identity or alleged offences were made available.

CID Paphos is investigating the case where at least two dozen people are expected to give statements.