Murder in Limassol: 43-year-old Syrian killed partner and hid body in well
Syrian national confessed to the murder of 61-year-old Olga Vasiliyeva, whose body was discovered in a well in Saïtta. Financial disputes are reported to be the motive.
Confession and well in Saïtta: how the murder of the 61-year-old in Limassol was solved
The persistent barking of a malnourished dog, a photograph and information from the victim's son in Russia led Cypriot police to solve the case. According to In.gr, the 43-year-old Syrian, partner of 61-year-old Olga Vasiliyeva, confessed to the murder and led investigators to a well in the mountainous region of Saïtta, where her body was found on Saturday night.
The well is located on land owned by the 61-year-old herself—a detail that leads investigators to the conclusion that the suspect knew the area well and deliberately chose the location to hide the body.
Initial forensic examinations determined head trauma, which is believed to have been caused by a blow from a blunt object. The exact cause of death is expected to be confirmed following completion of the autopsy.
How suspicions began
Neighbours in Limassol had become concerned because Olga's dog was barking continuously inside her flat without her appearing. Her lawyer and close friend, Pambos Ioannou, who spoke to the newspaper "Phileleftheros", knew that the woman never left the animal without care. On 23 October he went to the flat with police officers; the dog was found malnourished.
Contact with the woman's son, who lives in Russia, proved decisive. He knew that his mother was in a relationship with a younger man, but did not have the man's full contact details. He handed police a photograph in which the 43-year-old appeared together with the dog—an image that was one of the keys to locating him.
The official missing persons report was filed on 28 October. Police investigations revealed that Olga had not been in contact with anyone since 21 October.
Financial disputes as a possible motive
Investigators are examining the possibility that the murder is connected to financial disputes. According to philenews, during initial questioning the 43-year-old stated that he had asked the 61-year-old for a large sum of money, claiming he was involved in a traffic accident and needed approximately €70,000 for compensation.
As part of the investigations, the bank accounts of both the woman and the suspect are being examined. Particular significance is being attached to the fact that a few days before her disappearance—and before 21 October—Olga is reported to have made withdrawals of large sums of money. Investigators are examining the amounts, the reason for the withdrawals, and whether they are connected to the financial demands that the suspect is reported to have made.
Production before the District Court of Limassol
The 43-year-old is expected to be brought before the District Court of Limassol facing a charge of wilful murder. Investigators from TAE Limassol are expected to seek the issue of a remand warrant for him, so that investigations can continue and the collection of witness evidence can be completed.
Source: In.gr