Homicide detectives launched a murder investigation after the partially burned and bullet-riddled body of a man was discovered in a creek west of Athens, a killing police suspect was a targeted execution.
By Katia Niakari
The victim was found in Nea Peramos by a local resident walking a dog. Investigators recovered at least two shell casings near the corpse, indicating the man was shot multiple times at the scene before attackers attempted to set the remains on fire to destroy forensic evidence.
The Organized Crime Directorate has taken over the case. While positive identification is pending due to the lack of a mobile phone or documents at the scene, authorities believe the victim is a 27-year-old businessman from Crete.
The man, who owned a personnel management company, was reported missing by his partner last Monday. He had no criminal record. According to police reports, he left his home in nearby Elefsina late Sunday night on foot and was last seen meeting individuals inside a vehicle.
Detectives are now examining the victim's business dealings and personal contacts to establish a motive for the brutal slaying. Officials noted the method—a shooting followed by an attempt to incinerate the body—points to a calculated professional hit rather than a random crime.