The 46-year-old woman who was shot in the head by her 55-year-old husband is fighting for her life after the man subsequently took his own life with a single gunshot.
The circumstances surrounding the attempted femicide have once again brought the issue of gender-based violence into sharp focus. The perpetrator was a police officer who used his service revolver. The crime took place in the middle of the street outside a school, just a few hundred metres from the couple’s home. The incident occurred at 6:35am on Ilios Street in Zakaki.
Both vehicles belonging to the couple were found at the scene, where, according to information available so far, they met for reasons that remain unclear and initially became involved in a heated argument that escalated into a serious confrontation.
Everything that unfolded was witnessed by a member of the public who attempted to intervene.
The couple’s residence is located a short distance from where the incident occurred. According to police, there had been no previous complaints or reports of domestic violence involving the couple.
“Get out of here, she’s my wife”
Investigators consider the testimony of a civilian who was present at the scene to be particularly important.
The witness said that while driving through the area, he heard shouting and decided to make a U-turn to see what was happening. He then saw the officer holding the woman by the neck and shouted at him to let her go.
According to his account, the 55-year-old replied: “Get out of here, she’s my wife.”
The witness said the officer then turned to his wife and told her to confirm that he was not harming her. According to the witness, the woman said nothing but gestured towards him, signalling that she needed help.
He further stated that the officer then removed his service pistol from his waist, pointed it at him and threatened him, saying: “Get out of here or I’ll shoot you.”
The witness said the 55-year-old then shot his wife and subsequently got into the vehicle and shot himself.
He also stated that the woman was seated in the driver’s seat, while the officer was sitting in the front passenger seat.
Speaking from the scene, Limassol Police Director Stelios Aristeidou said police were alerted at 6:45am regarding a vehicle parked outside a school.
Police officers and an ambulance arrived at the location and found the 55-year-old dead and the 46-year-old injured.
According to Aristeidou, the officer had reported for duty at 6:07am, at which point he was issued his service pistol, which is believed to have been used in the incident.
Before leaving his workplace in his private vehicle, he informed colleagues that he would return in approximately five minutes.
Aristeidou also said there was currently no information regarding the circumstances under which the couple met at the location, nor any evidence indicating previous violent incidents or complaints against the officer.
As part of the investigation, statements will be taken from eyewitnesses as well as colleagues of the 55-year-old.
Investigators searching for a motive
Investigators are attempting to establish the motive behind the killing, with all possibilities remaining open.
According to information available so far, investigators are also examining possible financial difficulties and financial disputes involving the couple which may have contributed to the argument that preceded the shooting.
Police are additionally assessing information concerning a substantial sum of money that allegedly became a source of conflict between the two, with reports indicating that the suspect had been demanding it from the 46-year-old woman.
Statements are expected to be taken from members of the couple’s wider family circle as the investigation continues.
