The Dhekelia Sovereign Base Area (SBA) court has ordered the three-day remand in custody of a 30-year-old fatherand 38-year-old stepmother in connection with the deaths of two children found dead inside a vehicle in Xylofagou on Sunday. The pair are being investigated on suspicion of negligent conduct. The court noted that neither suspect has been charged at this stage.
The SBA Police had requested four-day detention orders. The defence counsel for the stepmother did not object. The father's defence counsel, Andriana Klaidis, contested the application.
Meanwhile, SBA Police, in cooperation with Bulgarian police authorities, made contact with the children's biological mother.
CCTV and phone evidence under examination
The investigating officer confirmed that CCTV footage retrieved in connection with the case shows the two children playing inside the vehicle. The footage is described as extensive and of poor quality, and has been sent for further technical analysis.
A technical examination of the vehicle will also be carried out to determine whether any malfunction exists in the door-locking mechanism. Police will consult the vehicle's manufacturer as part of that process.
Investigators will additionally examine the mobile phones of both suspects, including call logs, messages, location data, audiovisual content, internet search history, and social media activity.
A further approximately 25 statements are to be taken from individuals residing near the scene. Police noted that interpreters will be required, as the majority of those to be questioned are foreign nationals.
A doctor was expected to arrive in Cyprus on Monday afternoon to examine the bodies of the two children. Post-mortem results are pending.
Court's reasoning
The judge acknowledged the sensitive nature of the case and emphasised that no charges have been filed against either suspect. Ruling under Article 30 of SBA legislation, he found no sufficient grounds to conclude that the suspects could interfere with evidence, given that the vehicle, CCTV material and the children's bodies are all in police or official custody.
However, he ordered their detention on the grounds of flight risk, finding reasonable cause to believe the suspects might attempt to leave the SBA, given that neither holds any ties to Cyprus or the Sovereign Base Areas.
The investigating officer noted that up to 25 further statements may be required from the suspects' social and family circles, and raised the possibility that witnesses could be approached.
The judge concluded by cautioning against what he described as "popular tribunals or trials through the media," reminding those present that the two individuals are suspects who have not been charged or tried. He stated that the public interest is not served by speculation or unsubstantiated theories.
