A 35-year-old woman has been remanded in custody for seven days as part of the investigation into the killing of a 51-year-old British man in Peyia.
The woman, who is alleged to be the girlfriend of the 20-year-old suspect already in custody, is being investigated on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder and murder. Her detention was ordered by the Paphos District Court to facilitate ongoing inquiries by the Paphos CID.
Contradictory accounts emerge
According to information presented to investigators, the 35-year-old allegedly stated that both she and the 20-year-old were carrying separate knives when the confrontation began and that neither knife belonged to the victim.
She reportedly claimed that the 51-year-old victim was holding a knife and threatening the suspect's 42-year-old mother, and that the 20-year-old used a different knife to inflict the fatal injury.
Her account differs from that allegedly given by the 20-year-old, who, according to evidence previously presented in court, admitted fatally injuring the victim but claimed he used the victim's own knife after intervening when he saw his mother being threatened.
Alleged dispute before the incident
The 35-year-old also reportedly told investigators that she heard shouting from the kitchen, where the victim and the 42-year-old woman were arguing.
According to her statement, the dispute arose because the victim believed the woman was involved in a relationship with another man.
Attempt to take victim to hospital
The suspect allegedly admitted placing the injured man in her vehicle with the intention of taking him to the accident and emergency department at Paphos General Hospital.
However, she reportedly told investigators that she panicked during the journey and abandoned the victim before completing the trip.
She further claimed that she later contacted the ambulance service.
Knife still being sought
According to investigators, the 35-year-old also allegedly admitted that she and the 20-year-old later travelled to a remote location and disposed of the knife.
The two suspects are expected to assist police in identifying the location where the weapon was allegedly discarded.
Three suspects in custody
The 35-year-old was arrested on Tuesday under a court warrant.
The 20-year-old suspect and his 42-year-old mother have already been remanded in custody for eight days in connection with the case.
Investigations by the Paphos CID are continuing.
