Two suspects in Limassol double murder remanded for 8 days

Two men, aged 19 and 23, were remanded for eight days on Friday in connection with a double murder investigation. The charred bodies of Andreas Kouzoupi, 39, and an unidentified individual were found in a vehicle with gunshot wounds to the head.

According to police, Kouzoupi had arranged to sell a loudspeaker to the 19-year-old suspect for €800. However, the deal turned sour, leading to threats and the eventual murder.

Kouzoupi's father testified that his son left their home in a village near Limassol on the night of the murder, expecting to finalize the sale. Later that evening, he returned to pick up the loudspeaker, leaving with someone else’s vehicle. This vehicle was later discovered burnt on the Pareklisia-Kellaki road with the bodies inside.

Investigations revealed the car belonged to a Slovakian man, a permanent resident of Nicosia, who was last seen on July 30. Authorities believe this man is the second victim. Inside the vehicle, police found the loudspeaker and a speargun.

During court proceedings, evidence was presented indicating that the 19-year-old suspect was interested in buying the loudspeaker. He reportedly involved the 23-year-old suspect for help when threatened. The suspects provided conflicting accounts of the crime.

The 19-year-old claimed the 23-year-old requested his father's hunting rifle to intimidate Kouzoupi. At the meeting, the 19-year-old heard gunshots, fled, and later received a call from the 23-year-old stating the issue was "resolved." Conversely, the 23-year-old claimed the 19-year-old fired the shots and pushed the car onto the dirt road. The next day, the 19-year-old allegedly returned to the scene and set the vehicle ablaze with gasoline.

Investigators obtained surveillance footage showing the suspects filling containers with gasoline shortly before the fire. Searches of the suspects' homes yielded two hunting rifles, ammunition, and clothing worn on the night of the crime.

Thirteen witness statements have been collected, with approximately 65 more pending. The identity of the second victim remains undetermined.

The suspects face charges including conspiracy to commit murder, premeditated murder, arson, and illegal possession and use of firearms. Their lawyers did not oppose the eight-day detention.

[Information sourced from CNA]