Investigations into the mafia-style execution of businessman and football figure Stavros Demosthenous remain without clear direction as police search for motives behind the daylight killing.
Demosthenous was murdered in front of his 18-year-old son just steps from his home in the Sfalangiotissa area in what police describe as a professional contract killing with all the hallmarks of a settling of scores.
The autopsy on the victim’s body began at 9 a.m. Saturday at Nicosia General Hospital, conducted by medical examiner Nicolas Charalambous.
According to sources, at least two bullets struck the victim in the head, with the total number of shots to be confirmed once the autopsy is completed.
Meanwhile, members of the Forensic Investigations Service are continuing their examination of the victim’s luxury vehicle, which has been transported to Limassol Police Headquarters.
As reported by Phileleftheros yesterday, approximately 10 bullet holes were found in the vehicle, while a cap believed to belong to one of the perpetrators was discovered at the scene where they burnt the getaway van.
Shell casings from 7.62mm calibre bullets were also found, indicating the use of an automatic weapon. The van had been reported stolen on September 4 from the Kokkinotrimithia area.
So far, police do not have clear evidence regarding the motives for the execution. Investigators are examining the victim’s professional and personal activities, with police sources mentioning “multiple open fronts”.
Since Friday, members of Limassol CID have been conducting extensive searches in the Sfalangiotissa, Agios Athanasios and Germasogeia areas.
Footage is being collected from CCTV systems at businesses and residences to identify the perpetrators’ movements before and after the execution.
The major challenge for police is identifying not only the hitmen but also those who ordered the killing. Investigators are working to determine who planned and carried out Stavros Demosthenous’s murder with such precision.
Investigations continue at all levels. A number of statements have already been taken, with more being collected. Information is being gathered, evidence from the scene examined, and visual material studied.
Authorities are trying to piece together the puzzle under significant pressure as the public demands answers.
Police have once again come under criticism as crime appears to flourish, with hired killers shooting people in broad daylight.
Despite statements that other criminal activities have been prevented, the sense of insecurity in society is at its peak, as shootings, bomb attacks, explosions and arson are becoming commonplace.
The fatal ambush occurred approximately 500 metres from Demosthenous’s home in the Sfalangiotissa area at around 9:30 Friday morning.
He was travelling in a luxury rental vehicle with his 18-year-old son driving when a white van cut in front of them, forcing the teenager to slow down. The van doors then opened, and one of the perpetrators began firing precisely at Demosthenous, fatally wounding him.
After completing their mission, the perpetrators fled the scene. Shortly afterwards, a vehicle matching the description was found burning in the Germasogeia area.
Forensic examination confirmed it was the same vehicle used in the execution. Police investigations revealed the van had been reported stolen on September 4 in Nicosia province.
Following the attack, the victim’s son attempted to drive his injured father to hospital. While travelling on the highway near Tsireion, their vehicle was involved in a collision and immobilised.
According to reliable information from Phileleftheros, the 18-year-old flagged down a passing motorist who transported them to Limassol General Hospital, but Demosthenous was pronounced dead on arrival. The same sources reported that he had sustained at least two gunshot wounds to the head.
