The local community of Drama and the Greek Police family remain in shock following the tragedy that unfolded on Monday afternoon in Korylovos, when a female police officer was killed at the hands of her husband — also a police officer — who subsequently took his own life.
Twenty-four hours after the bloody incident, new details are coming to light, piecing together the puzzle of a case that has become yet another femicide, leaving behind two children without parents and dozens of unanswered questions. The 43-year-old police officer, who served at the Border Guard Unit of Kato Nevrokopi, was transported in critical condition to Drama General Hospital after being attacked inside the family home. Doctors fought to save her life, but shortly before 7:15 p.m. on Monday, she succumbed to her severe injuries.
According to information gathered by authorities, her 50-year-old husband, a DIAS motorcycle unit officer, stabbed her three times — in the chest, the back, and the face. He then fled the house and disappeared in his car.
The tragedy came to light through a phone call made by the couple’s minor son to the emergency dispatch center. According to reports, the 16-year-old reportedly informed officers that his mother was injured in the basement of their home, immediately alerting authorities. The call was made around 5:00 p.m., placing the brutal attack in the early afternoon hours.
Police officers and an EKAV ambulance rushed to the scene, where the injured woman was picked up and transported to the hospital. At the same time, a search was launched to locate the 50-year-old.
Approximately half an hour later, at 5:30 p.m., a citizen alerted police to a vehicle found in an area of Korylovos. Officers who arrived at the scene discovered the 50-year-old dead inside, with a gunshot wound to the head. His service pistol was found beside him, with initial findings indicating he had taken his own life.
Femicide in Drama: The fears the female officer had expressed
Particularly significant is the information now emerging about the background of the couple’s relationship. Although there were no formally filed reports of domestic violence incidents, sources indicate that in recent months the two officers had been living separately and were experiencing serious problems in their relationship.
According to reports, the victim had approached a senior Greek Police officer several weeks ago, expressing concerns about her husband’s mental state. This report had led to him being evaluated by an in-service police psychiatrist.
However, according to the same sources, the assessment did not produce any findings that would justify relieving him of his duties or imposing other restrictive measures. This particular detail is expected to become a focal point of the ensuing investigation, as authorities examine whether there were warning signs that were not assessed as dangerous.
The basement, the argument, and the children
Reports indicate that shortly before the fatal incident, the couple went down to the basement of their home to talk away from their children. It was there that a heated argument reportedly broke out, culminating in the deadly attack.
The same reports indicate that both children were inside the house when the incident occurred. The family had two children — a young university student of around 20 years old and a 16-year-old schoolboy.
Following the tragedy, the children were moved to a safe environment and are in the care of relatives, while receiving psychological support. At the same time, Greek Police personnel and mental health specialists are working to manage the aftermath of an event that dramatically altered the children’s lives within minutes, while also attempting to piece together a clearer picture of what led up to the tragic incident.
Mourning across the Greek Police and Drama
The news has sent shockwaves through the colleagues of both officers. Those who knew the 43-year-old describe her as a particularly well-liked and low-key officer, with many years of service and excellent relationships with both colleagues and the public.
Meanwhile, the authorities’ investigation continues on multiple fronts. The results of the autopsy are pending, while witness statements, findings from the couple’s home, and all of the 50-year-old’s movements before and after the attack are being examined.
