Murder of 89-year-old woman in Menidi: Beating and asphyxia – son in the spotlight
Forensic examination reveals head injuries and asphyxiation death. The primary suspect is the 62-year-old son, who contradicts himself.
Menidi: Forensic pathologist reveals beating and asphyxiation in 89-year-old woman's case
Severe cranial injuries and chest trauma were suffered by the 89-year-old woman who was found dead at her home in Menidi, according to findings from the forensic examination reported by To Vima. The forensic pathologist determined that the elderly woman was subjected to a savage beating, and then the perpetrator caused asphyxiation by blocking her mouth and simultaneously pressing on her neck.
Time of death overturns initial findings
The forensic pathologist's initial assessment overturns the original findings regarding the time of the crime. The woman's death occurred on Sunday afternoon, around 18:00, and not shortly before she was found in the early morning hours of Monday, as was initially estimated. The crime was discovered at approximately 02:00 in the morning, when neighbours and her nephew heard the 62-year-old son shouting "help" and requesting an ambulance. Police officers who rushed to the scene found the elderly woman dead in her bedroom.
62-year-old son as primary suspect
Two individuals were brought in to the Western Attica Police Directorate: the 62-year-old son of the woman, who worked as a rag collector as his mother did, and the 69-year-old nephew, who alerted the authorities. The son is considered the primary suspect.
The 62-year-old is nearly blind, suffers from psychological problems and had previously come to the attention of authorities in drug-related cases. He has not confessed. In his statement, he claimed that two unknown men broke into the detached house, immobilised him and attacked his mother. However, police found no traces of forced entry at the house, and during interrogation he contradicted himself on a series of points.
"If he didn't have drugs, he would have killed her" – what neighbours say
Testimonies from residents of the area paint a picture of the environment in which the elderly woman lived. A female neighbour testified: "He was a drug addict. He had stolen a car and gone crazy. When he didn't have drugs, he would grab a club and go around trying to hit her. If he didn't have drugs, he would have killed her."
Another resident of the area stated: "Police have come to that particular house before, but for other cases. Quarrels with friends and that sort of thing."
The neighbours' statements are continuing, as police officers are seeking to establish the full picture of the case.
Source: To Vima