Leventaki murder case: 43-year-old suspect appears before investigating judge, faces public outcry

Under heavy security and escorted by officers from the OPKE special police unit, the suspect entered the Chania Prosecutor’s Office at approximately 10:00 a.m.

He is appearing before judicial authorities regarding the cannabis cultivation case, which predates the homicide investigation and for which charges had already been filed before the murder case was formally assembled.

Upon arriving at the courthouse, the 43-year-old was met with jeers and condemnation from relatives and friends of the victim.

The “Bluestar” Technology That Uncovered Hidden Evidence

According to the Hellenic Police (EL.AS.), the resolution of the murder of 45-year-old Stavroula Leventaki was the result of a highly complex and methodical investigation.

Leventaki had been missing since May 30, 2026, but her disappearance was not reported to authorities until June 8, creating significant challenges for investigators in gathering evidence.

The breakthrough came through the analysis of surveillance camera footage, which confirmed the victim’s presence at the suspect’s residence in Varypetro on the day she disappeared. This evidence contradicted the suspect’s statements and exposed critical inconsistencies in his account.

Forensic investigators then played a decisive role. Specialists from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations employed Bluestar, an advanced biological trace detection method, and discovered bloodstains inside both the suspect’s home and vehicle. Laboratory testing conclusively matched the DNA to the victim.

Faced with the mounting evidence, the suspect confessed to the killing and led police to the location where he had buried the victim on privately owned farmland in Vathylakkos, Chania. Her body was found wrapped in plastic bags.

Authorities noted that the suspect had already been arrested on the evening of June 19 in connection with a separate case involving an illegal cannabis plantation in Fournes, Chania, before the murder charges were formally filed.

Autopsy Findings

The forensic examination revealed that the 45-year-old woman died from severe cranio-cerebral injuries inflicted by the perpetrator using more than one object.

According to the medical examiner’s report, the extensive head trauma and skull fractures sustained by the victim were the direct cause of death.

The two stab wounds found on the victim were not considered fatal and did not strike any vital organs.

Investigators also found no evidence of strangulation.

Additional biological samples collected from the victim’s body have been sent to forensic laboratories for further analysis.

Speaking to Greece’s public broadcaster ERT, forensic pathologist Stamatis Belivanis explained that the victim’s body was in an advanced state of decomposition due to having been buried for approximately 20 days. This condition helped establish the estimated date of death but also significantly complicated the forensic examination.