Investigators from the Limassol Criminal Investigation Department are delving deeper into the attempted femicide case that shocked Cyprus on Tuesday morning.
The investigation is proceeding on two main fronts. Detectives are seeking to accurately piece together the sequence of events that unfolded both in the hours immediately preceding the attack and during the days leading up to it, while at the same time attempting to identify a possible motive that could unlock further leads.
Meanwhile, the 46-year-old victim remains in a very critical condition in hospital, while the blood donation centre continues to issue appeals for donors due to increased demand.
However, yesterday's revelation by Politis concerning a meeting between the 55-year-old police officer and a senior police official cannot be ignored. The meeting reportedly took place so that the officer could receive friendly advice, with the senior official already aware of the 55-year-old's gambling addiction and financial difficulties.
Since Wednesday afternoon, the police leadership has instructed officers not to make public statements on the matter. Nevertheless, following the revelation, questions remain regarding the meeting itself and what was discussed, given the officer's gambling dependency and the financial problems that allegedly made him particularly vulnerable.
Telecommunications data under examination
The investigative team has already taken a large number of statements from relatives, friends, colleagues and individuals who were close to the couple.
At the same time, evidence collected from the scene has been sent for further examination and evaluation.
Procedures are also underway to secure court orders allowing investigators to examine telecommunications data and the couple's recent communications.
Given information suggesting financial problems and disputes between the couple linked to gambling addiction, investigators may also seek access to bank accounts in order to clarify additional issues.
It is recalled that, from the very first day of the investigation, there have been reports concerning a substantial sum of money that the 46-year-old woman held through her work. The money is believed to have played a significant role in the deterioration of the couple's relationship in recent months.
Focus on premeditation
Investigators are also examining evidence from the police officer's professional environment and his behaviour on the morning of the incident in an effort to determine whether the attack was premeditated.
On Tuesday morning, the 55-year-old reportedly arrived at work significantly earlier than usual.
It also remains unclear whether he spent the previous night at home, particularly given that he shaved while at work.
However, the fact that he took his service weapon with him when leaving his post is considered a significant element of the investigation and cannot be overlooked.
Investigators are also using CCTV footage in an effort to fully reconstruct and verify the suspect's route from his workplace to the location where the shooting took place.
