23-year-old faces murder charge over fatal shooting at village festival
A 23-year-old man from Crete has been charged with premeditated murder and illegal possession of a firearm following the fatal shooting of a 51-year-old relative during a village festival in Elos, western Crete. The suspect is expected to appear before an investigating magistrate to testify on Saturday.
According to police reports, the incident occurred on Sunday evening during local celebrations in the village. The younger man allegedly opened fire on the victim following an altercation. The 51-year-old collapsed at the scene and was later pronounced dead at Hania Hospital.
The suspect fled immediately after the shooting but surrendered to authorities on Monday, accompanied by his lawyers. His legal representative stated that the young man is “shocked” and “deeply remorseful” for his actions, adding that he cooperated fully with investigators and personally guided police to the location of the 22-caliber weapon used in the crime.
Sources familiar with the case indicate that the victim had previously been involved in violent incidents known to law enforcement.
According to Kathimerini, authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deadly confrontation as the community of Elos remains in shock over the tragedy.
