Murder of Stavroula Leventaki in Chania: 43-year-old attempted to erase digital evidence
According to a spokeswoman for the Greek Police, the 43-year-old accused of murdering the 45-year-old woman in Chania had deleted critical files, however data recovery showed that the victim was directed towards his residence.
Murder in Chania: Digital evidence led to 43-year-old perpetrator
Shortly after Stavroula Leventaki's brother reported her disappearance in Chania, the investigation by the prosecution authorities had already turned towards a 43-year-old resident of the area. This was revealed by Konstantia Dimoglidou, spokeswoman for the Greek Police, during an interview with ERTnews.
The delay in reporting the disappearance initially created problems for the investigation. The authorities, however, considered the fact logical, since the victim's brother was being treated in hospital at that time and constituted the central figure of the family.
Despite the difficulties, within two days police officers had already focused on the specific man and his home, using video footage they had collected. According to what Ms Dimoglidou stated, the suspect had attempted to remove significant electronic files. The data analysis, however, proved that the 45-year-old had been directed towards the vicinity of his residence and had not been recorded leaving from there.
The Greek Police spokeswoman emphasised that officers proceeded with particular care, so that the suspect would not realise he was under surveillance. At the same time, a team was immediately dispatched from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations in Chania.
"Within a day we had answers from material that had been carefully deleted by the perpetrator," she noted characteristically, emphasising that the attempt at systematic concealment of digital evidence had not succeeded due to technological processing.
Regarding the motive for the crime and the possibility of involvement by others, Ms Dimoglidou clarified that investigations are continuing. The reason for the act and the possible involvement or knowledge of third parties is being examined.
The suspect's wife, who appears to be supporting him, has already given a statement as part of the preliminary investigation, as have other individuals from his circle. The 43-year-old had lived in the area for years and had integrated into the local community, a fact which hampered initial suspicions. He had attracted the attention of the authorities on only one previous occasion in relation to a criminal offence.
His confession, which is consistent with the findings of the forensic examination, combined with the totality of evidence, constitute a strong set of indications against him.
Source: Η Εφημερίδα των Συντακτών
Source: Efimerida ton Syntakton