Woman killed by estranged husband in Rhodope

A 44-year-old woman was fatally stabbed by her 53-year-old estranged husband in Balaban village in Rhodope, Western Thrace, according to Greek media reports.

The couple reportedly had three children. The woman had travelled to the village to attend her 16-year-old daughter’s birthday when she was attacked. The incident reportedly took place inside the family home while the children were present.

Daughter alerted police
Initial reports indicate that the couple’s adult daughter called the police after the incident.

The woman was found inside the house with injuries caused by a sharp object and was taken to hospital. She later died at Sismanoglio Hospital in Gümülcine.

Police officers who arrived at the scene detained the 53-year-old man identified as the woman’s husband. Authorities said the suspect had also injured himself following the incident and was receiving treatment in hospital under police supervision.

Two knives were reportedly recovered from the scene.

Suspect had previously been detained over domestic threats
A detail highlighted in the Greek police account is that the 53-year-old suspect had previously been detained in Crete in 2022 over allegations of domestic threats against the woman.

The couple had reportedly been living separately for some time. The woman had been working on Taşöz during the summer and had taken a day off to return to the village for her daughter’s birthday.

Investigation underway
New information reported by Greek media suggests that the suspect had displayed what was described as pathological jealousy toward the woman, which investigators are examining as a possible factor in the incident.

However, the exact motive and circumstances surrounding the killing have not yet been conclusively established and are expected to become clearer as the police investigation progresses.

The Gümülcine Crime Investigation and Research Unit is handling the investigation. Proceedings have been initiated against the suspect on charges including intentional homicide, domestic violence and violations of Greece’s weapons legislation.