A 20-year-old Greek Navy sailor has surrendered to police in the fatal stabbing of a 27-year-old man, the son of a senior police officer, after what investigators say began as a romantic dispute in a suburban Athens park.
By Katia Niakari
The suspect turned himself in at police headquarters with his lawyer as investigators closed in, police sources said.
The killing occurred at Asyrmatos Park in Agios Dimitrios after the two men met to settle tensions over the suspect’s relationship with the victim’s former girlfriend.
Police said the confrontation quickly turned violent.
During the fight, the suspect allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim once in the chest, causing his death.
Preliminary autopsy findings confirmed that the man died from a single stab wound and showed defensive injuries consistent with a struggle.
Investigators said forensic evidence is expected to be key in the case, including possible DNA and fingerprints on the victim’s clothing.
An eyewitness identified the suspect earlier Thursday, prompting police to contact his family and girlfriend and urge him to surrender.
Because the suspect is serving mandatory military service in the navy, the case will be handled by a naval court, police said.
Toxicology and histological reports are still pending as the investigation nears completion.
Authorities have not disclosed further details, but the case has drawn attention because of the victim’s family ties and the speed with which investigators tracked down the suspect.