Tzionis withdraws guilty plea

The lawyer of 33-year-old Loizos Tzionis, the main suspect in the double Strovolos murder, told the criminal court his client plans to change his plea on at least some charges.

The trial of the four suspects in April’s shocking double murder in Nicosia continued Monday morning in an overcrowded courtroom, where earlier rumours of hinting at a possible major upset in the case were proven to be true.

Back in June, Tzionis had admitted to seven charges including murder but denied one count of burglary, telling the court the house was left open. Three other suspects, Tzionis’ 21-year-old girlfriend Sara Siams, his 23-year-old half brother Lefteris Solomou, and another 22-year-old male, Marios Hadjixenofondos, all pleaded not guilty.

Charges include premeditated and conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping, burglary, breaking and entering, possession of unlawful weapons, among others.

It was not immediately clear to which charges Tzionis might change from a guilty to a not guilty plea, with his lawyer not offering any hints.

Solomou is also in search of a new lawyer, after he reportedly told the court that his previous attorney wanted him to admit to some things he “had never done.”

All four suspects will remain in custody until the next hearing scheduled for November 5.