Double Murder in Menemeni: Two Suspects Remanded in Custody

Two men, aged 52 and 50, have been remanded in custody for the murders of two women—47-year-old Maria Angelakoudi and 43-year-old Vicky Koutsaki—in Menemeni, Thessaloniki. The victims had been missing for months before their bodies were discovered. The suspects appeared before the prosecutor on Monday, February 2, 2026. The 52-year-old suspect invoked his right to silence during questioning. His lawyer stated he is functionally illiterate and did not read the statement provided for his signature. Both defendants deny committing murder or rape, maintaining their innocence regarding homicide charges; however, drug-related offenses may still hold merit. Shocking images from the basement where Koutsaki’s body was found reveal unsanitary, hazardous conditions—filthy mattresses, stained linens, damp floors, and scattered debris. The 52-year-old faces charges of fatal rape (linked to the first victim’s death by asphyxiation during a sexual act) and premeditated murder (regarding the second victim, whose decomposed body was found in a building’s attic). Authorities consider asphyxiation the most likely cause of death in both cases, though the suspect denies involvement.