Seven stab wounds to the back: pathologist's findings in Igoumenitsa murder
Twenty-five-year-old Penelope suffered seven to eight stab wounds to the back and injuries to the neck, according to the pathologist. The 27-year-old confessed suspect requested an extension to provide his statement.
Seven to eight stab wounds to the back — pathologist's findings for Penelope
Seven wounds were found on the back of the body of 25-year-old Penelope, three of which were particularly deep — the blade had penetrated as far as the chest area. These are the key findings announced by the head of the Pathological Service of Epirus, according to Newsbeast.
A defensive wound was identified on the left hand of the deceased, evidence that the 25-year-old resisted during the attack. Two further wounds to the neck were found on the body, as well as bruising to the shin and right arm.
Death occurred in a very short timeframe, mainly due to injury to major blood vessels in the neck and the severe haemorrhage that followed. The examination also revealed injuries to vital organs — the liver, stomach and left lung. The weapon used in the crime was reportedly a Soujia-type knife with a blade approximately 7.5 centimetres long.
The 27-year-old requested an extension — charged with intentional homicide
The 27-year-old confessed perpetrator, who is hospitalised under guard, requested and received an extension to give his statement next Thursday. Charges were brought against him for intentional homicide, unlicensed possession of a weapon and unlawful use of a weapon, as well as drug possession. He maintains that he did not intend to kill Penelope.
Initially, the 27-year-old had claimed that both of them were attacked by hooded assailants. He subsequently changed his account, citing financial disagreements. Authorities, however, believe this to be a fully premeditated crime.
According to evidence gathered so far, the perpetrator had travelled from Aigaleo to Igoumenitsa one day before the crime, already carrying the knife with him, and slept on a bench awaiting a chance to meet the girl. The two had separated approximately a month before and the 27-year-old had been threatening her — something of which Penelope's relatives were unaware.
"Noise and commotion" — neighbour's testimony
"There was commotion. We heard shouting. They were arguing, but we couldn't see inside what was happening. She was shouting. At some moments she was shouting, but I don't know who she was arguing with," a neighbour told investigators.
The 25-year-old's uncle rejected the claim about financial disagreements: "They didn't have a financial issue and there's no such thing. It's all lies," he stated. "These are bad things. There needs to be an end to it, but unfortunately…" he added.
A colleague of Penelope's described a young woman with education and prospects: "She had studied, she was a biologist and had come to work in her field. She was a very good girl, well-educated, had opportunities and we're trying right now to come to terms with it."
Pathological findings to be added to the case file
The new findings are expected to be evaluated together with the remaining evidence from the investigation. The grief of Penelope's relatives, according to Newsbeast, is gradually transforming into anger — as both the pathological findings and the behaviour of the 27-year-old after the crime are revealed, when he attempted to obscure the facts with false claims.
Source: Newsbeast