The killing of 25-year-old Pinelopi Asimakopoulou has shocked Igoumenitsa, with police investigating the motive behind the attack and whether it was premeditated.
Asimakopoulou, a biologist from Athens who had recently been living and working in the aquaculture sector in Igoumenitsa, had been in a relationship with the 27-year-old suspect. According to information released so far, the couple had separated about a month before her death.
Found near cycle path
At around 9.40pm on Sunday, 20 September, a passer-by found Asimakopoulou unconscious at a shelter along the Igoumenitsa cycle path and alerted police.
Her former partner was found injured nearby.
The 27-year-old initially reportedly told officers that he and Asimakopoulou had been attacked by unidentified people with their faces covered, with some reports referring to four alleged assailants.
Police subsequently identified inconsistencies in his account and turned their attention to him as the investigation progressed.
Several hours later, he reportedly admitted attacking his former partner with a knife.
Knife recovered
The suspect subsequently directed authorities to the location where he allegedly discarded the weapon.
Police recovered and seized the knife, which now forms part of the evidence in the investigation.
Forensic findings indicate that Asimakopoulou suffered multiple stab wounds, with reports referring to around 10 injuries, including to her neck and back.
An injury described as defensive has also been reported and is being examined in connection with indications that she attempted to protect herself during the attack.
Suspect travelled from Athens
The 27-year-old, who was living in Athens, travelled from Egaleo to Igoumenitsa, where Asimakopoulou lived and worked.
Investigators are examining how their meeting was arranged and why he was carrying the knife subsequently used in the attack.
The suspect has reportedly referred to a financial dispute and an argument between them. However, published accounts concerning the alleged financial disagreement have been contradictory, and authorities have not established that it was the motive.
Phones and messages under examination
Police are examining the pair’s mobile phones, calls and messages to establish what occurred in the days and hours before the killing.
Investigators are also seeking to determine whether the attack had been planned in advance.
The possibility of premeditation remains under investigation and has not been judicially established.
Suspect remains in hospital
The 27-year-old also suffered injuries and was taken to Filiates Hospital, where he remains under guard.
Authorities are examining whether his injuries may have been self-inflicted.
An investigating magistrate and prosecutor visited the hospital, where the suspect was charged with offences including intentional homicide and domestic violence, as well as offences relating to weapons legislation.
He has been given until Thursday, 24 September, to provide his formal statement.
Protest planned in Asimakopoulou’s memory
The killing has prompted grief and anger in Igoumenitsa.
A gathering is being organised in memory of Asimakopoulou and in protest against gender-based and domestic violence.
The investigation continues, with particular attention focused on the suspect’s journey from Athens, the circumstances of the former couple’s meeting, their communications and the question of whether the killing was premeditated.
