A 22-year-old man has allegedly admitted to fatally stabbing a 51-year-old in Peyia, claiming he stepped in when he saw the man threatening his mother with a knife, Paphos District Court heard on Tuesday. The court remanded the 22-year-old and his 42-year-old mother for eight days, while police are looking for the young man’s girlfriend as part of their investigation.
The suspect’s account
According to the investigator from Paphos Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Inspector Plastiras Militis, the 22-year-old claimed he heard shouting from the kitchen of the house. The 51-year-old was arguing there with his mother, as he believed she was in a relationship with another man.
The young man allegedly said that when he saw the 51-year-old threatening his mother with a knife, he intervened and stabbed him in the ribs. According to the evidence presented in court, he then pulled out the knife, which caused uncontrollable bleeding.
Claims of abuse and cocaine use
The court also heard claims made by the 42-year-old about the behaviour of the 51-year-old, with whom she lived.
According to her account, the 51-year-old used cocaine and then became aggressive, hitting her, mistreating her and showing intense jealousy.
The 42-year-old also claimed that two days before the fatal incident there had been another argument, during which, she alleged, she was beaten.
Girlfriend asked to take him to hospital
After the stabbing, the 22-year-old allegedly asked his girlfriend to take the 51-year-old to Paphos General Hospital.
According to the evidence presented, the young woman put the injured man in the car but then returned to the house.
Police were notified at 18:15 on Monday of a seriously injured man inside a car. The 51-year-old was pronounced dead at 20:42.
Bloodstains found at the house
During searches of the house, police found bloodstains, which the 42-year-old allegedly tried to clean.
When investigators asked her about them, she claimed the 51-year-old had been bleeding because of cocaine use.
She allegedly also said: “It wasn’t me who injured him, but I can’t tell you.”
This statement is part of the evidence presented to the court and is being examined by investigators.
Eight-day remand ordered
The 22-year-old and the 42-year-old appeared before Paphos District Court without a lawyer and did not object to the police request for their remand.
The court issued eight-day remand orders for the investigation of offences of conspiracy to commit murder. It found that there was reasonable suspicion to justify holding the two people while the case is investigated.
Investigation continues
So far five statements have been taken, with another 50 still to be taken from people in the suspects’ work, family and social circles.
Police are also looking for the 22-year-old’s girlfriend as part of the investigation.
The court heard that releasing the two suspects at this stage could affect the investigation.
