Police have linked a 51-year-old Greek national to the murder of Stavros Demosthenous in Limassol through DNA evidence found on jerry cans used in the plot, a court heard on Monday.
The suspect appeared before Limassol District Court alongside a 44-year-old former footballer whose motorcycle was allegedly used in the killers’ getaway. Police have issued two additional arrest warrants as the investigation widens.
DNA samples from the 51-year-old matched genetic material found on the lid of a jerry can containing flammable liquid inside a stolen Mitsubishi Colt, investigators told the court. The car, stolen from a priest on 5 October, was found near the victim’s home three days before the murder on 17 October.
Police found the stolen vehicle in an open area outside Sfalaggiotissa cemetery in Agios Athanasios following a tip-off. Officers discovered two jerry cans filled with flammable material inside, which investigators believe were meant to burn the car and destroy evidence after the killing.
The car had number plates from another vehicle of the same make fitted to it, according to investigators.
CCTV footage from near the victim’s home showed people on mopeds in the area between 9 and 14 October. On 14 October, the same individuals were recorded getting into the stolen vehicles and driving towards both the victim’s house and the murder scene, police said.
According to police, these findings support the theory that the murder was already planned and the perpetrators’ movements were part of an organised plot carried out on 17 October.
The 51-year-old was arrested on 25 October after police received information identifying him as a key suspect in the car theft. He has denied any involvement in the case.
Six people remain in custody whilst two others are wanted on arrest warrants. Investigators have taken 68 statements and carried out 20 searches, recovering dozens of pieces of evidence now being examined scientifically.
Police have also reviewed footage from dozens of security cameras and expect to take roughly 90 more statements from people connected to the victim and the suspects.
Defence lawyers for the two suspects have challenged their continued detention. The proceedings are ongoing.
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