The murder on the Greek island of Syros that claimed the life of 41-year-old rescue worker Evangelia continues to devastate her family and leave critical questions unanswered about what happened on the afternoon of July 23rd. The victim’s parents told Live News that they are convinced the 40-year-old suspect recognized their daughter and pursued her with the intent to kill her, firmly rejecting the claim of self-defense. On the other side, the suspect’s godmother presented a completely different account to Live News, arguing that her godson was provoked and reacted because he believed he was in danger.
Read also: Syros murder: Godmother of 40-year-old suspect speaks out — “Who wouldn’t have reacted in broad daylight?” (Video)
Syros murder: “It couldn’t have been self-defense”
Evangelia’s mother, who keeps photos of her daughter throughout the house as a daily reminder of her loss, is trying to cope with the tragedy alongside her husband. The couple firmly believe the killing was premeditated and that the 40-year-old knew exactly who had arrived at his door.
“This can’t be right, it makes no sense,” said the mother, responding to the suspect’s self-defense claim.
Recalling the last words her daughter said before leaving that afternoon, she said: “She told me, ‘I’m going to a job. I won’t be long.’ She wasn’t frightened or anything like that. I didn’t see her leave as if she was going to do something wrong.”
When asked about reports suggesting that Evangelia had learned the 40-year-old had harassed someone close to her and had gone to confront him, her mother replied: “I don’t know, I didn’t understand anything. I don’t know anything.”
“He wanted to kill her”
Evangelia’s father was even more emphatic. Speaking to Live News, he claimed the 40-year-old chased his daughter in order to “silence her.”
“It couldn’t have been self-defense — he wanted to kill her. Maybe it’s what we’re saying, that he may have harassed a child. Because my granddaughter used to spend time with his daughters, and lately the child had started saying she was afraid of him.”
According to witness accounts, the two families knew each other well. The suspect’s ex-wife had married the murdered woman’s first cousin, pointing to deep social and family ties between the two sides.
“He’s being wrongly accused — he was the best person”
The suspect’s godmother paints a very different picture, insisting that her godson was provoked into reacting. “He was the best person in this neighborhood. A family man, dedicated to his work. He was a contractor — everyone wanted him because he was one of the best.”
She says she struggles to believe her godson could have planned a murder. “I was completely blindsided, because I think it’s unjust — it’s unjust that someone went to his home and put him in this situation.”
She also points to a reported break-in at the property just days earlier as part of her argument. “The poor man was startled. A second time in ten days. Who — who wouldn’t have reacted in broad daylight? Who wouldn’t have reacted?”
Eyewitnesses and the fatal blow
Eyewitness testimony is expected to play a crucial role in the investigation. According to their accounts, the 41-year-old ran down the stairs and tried to flee, but was unable to escape.
The fatal blow struck her in the chest, piercing her lung and causing unstoppable internal bleeding, which led to her death.
The two sides continue to offer completely opposing accounts of what took place. Evangelia’s parents believe their daughter was deliberately murdered, while people close to the suspect maintain his version of events. The witness statements and remaining evidence are expected to be decisive in determining the sequence of events that led to this tragedy.
