Mystery in Larissa as woman found mummified in basement
A case discovered by chance in Larissa has brought to light a tragic human story after the mummified body of a 60-year-old woman was found in a basement apartment, where she is believed to have remained for at least a year.
The body was discovered on the morning of Aug. 19 by police officers from the Larissa police department, who were called to open the locked apartment in the Agios Konstantinos district, on 28th Oktovriou Street.
The case came to light following the sale of the property. The previous owner reportedly lives in another city, while circumstances had created the impression that the woman had already left the apartment.
Dead for at least a year
According to preliminary forensic findings, the woman had died at least a year before her body was discovered, apparently from natural causes.
She was found lying on the floor of the apartment. A bag was found beside her containing, among other items, an identity card believed to belong to a 60-year-old woman originally from Thessaloniki.
Authorities have also learned that the woman had previously lived in another European country. Details about her life in Larissa, however, remain unclear.
Unusual condition delayed discovery
The most unusual aspect of the case is the condition of the body, which had undergone mummification rather than the normal process of decomposition.
According to local reports, the case is considered unprecedented in the forensic records of the Larissa area. Experts are examining the conditions that led to the mummification.
The absence of the strong odor normally associated with decomposition appears to have played a role in delaying the discovery of the death.
Rent dispute created false impression
According to the Eleftheria newspaper, a series of circumstances contributed to the belief that the basement apartment was empty.
After rent payments were reportedly delayed, the previous owner is said to have contacted the woman and asked her to leave the property.
This created the impression that she had moved out, while the apartment remained closed until it was eventually sold.
The reality was very different. The woman had apparently died alone inside the basement and remained there for an extended period without anyone realizing what had happened.
Dna results awaited
Police are now trying to identify possible relatives based on the identity card found in the woman's bag.
Genetic material has also been collected and sent to the laboratories of the Hellenic Police Directorate of Criminal Investigations for official identification.
The body remains at the Larissa Forensic Medicine Service while the investigation continues into the woman's identity, the circumstances of her death and how she remained undiscovered for so long.
