Forensic Pathologist on Chania Murder: Death from Blunt Force Trauma
Autopsy findings confirm that the 45-year-old Stavroula Leventaki lost her life from head trauma and fractures. The 43-year-old accused has previously confessed to the crime.
Forensic Pathologist on Chania Murder: Death from Blunt Force Trauma
Forensic pathologist Stamatis Belivelis presented the findings of the examination he conducted on the body of the 45-year-old woman found buried in a rural area of Vatolakkos in Chania. According to the results, the cause of death was head trauma and fractures resulting from blunt force.
The body was in an advanced state of decomposition, as it had been buried approximately twenty days before it was discovered. This fact significantly hindered the autopsy procedure. The specialist also noted the presence of superficial injuries on the left side of the chest from a sharp object.
The man accused of the crime is 43 years old. As he has stated, on the afternoon of 30 May the woman visited his residence in Varypetro in order to check the condition of the property. According to the account he provided, a quarrel ensued during which the victim grabbed a bottle to hit him. The accused maintained that he removed it from her, struck her on the head, and then caused her death with a knife and wood.
Following the act, the 43-year-old transferred the body into bags, cleaned the area of biological material traces, and used the victim's withdrawal cards to obtain money, attempting to present the incident as a theft. Ultimately, under the weight of the evidence, he led officers to the burial site.
The investigation was based on multiple findings. Specialists identified blood traces at the residence and the suspect's vehicle using special lights and the Bluestar method. Genetic material found corresponded with high certainty to the deceased. Additionally, images from closed-circuit surveillance, data from communications, and witness statements composed a comprehensive body of evidence.
The accused is in custody and is also subject to another investigation relating to the cultivation of narcotic substances in the Fournes area. He is expected to be brought before an investigating magistrate. Additional samples from the body will be sent for further laboratory investigation, and analyses are pending to identify the presence of toxic substances.
Source: ERT News
Source: ERT