Developments in the disappearance of 45-year-old Stavroula Levendaki in Chania have escalated dramatically, with a 43-year-old tenant from North Macedonia identified as the prime suspect. He was arrested late Friday, June 19, 2026, on drug-related charges after police discovered 13 cannabis plants cultivated on his property in the Fournes area of Chania. On Saturday morning, he appeared before the public prosecutor. Investigators now believe that sufficient evidence has already been gathered to support a murder charge — making formal prosecution a matter of time.
Blood Traces Found at Rental Property
Faint bloodstains were detected on the television set inside the apartment he rented from Levendaki, as well as on the floor and on one of the vehicles he used. According to reports, forensic analysis indicates the blood belongs to Levendaki. As noted by Vasilis Lampropoulos, crime reporter for Mega TV, these findings — combined with investigative parallels drawn from other high-profile cases such as that of Mario Papageorgiou — could directly lead to a homicide indictment.
Contradictions in Suspect’s Alibi
When questioned about his whereabouts on the day Levendaki vanished, the suspect claimed he had gone to his farm in Fournes, where he keeps livestock. It was at that same property that police found the cannabis plants leading to his arrest. He stated he returned quickly to his residence in Varypetro and spent the night there. However, investigators remain unconvinced: surveillance and vehicle tracking data show he re-entered his car at 10:30 p.m. — the same evening Levendaki went missing — left the area (a detail he denies), and drove north toward Chania General Hospital.
Search Focuses on Two Nearby Areas
Based on this timeline and movement pattern, police are intensifying their search for Levendaki’s body in the areas of Kryo Nero and Nerokouros — both located near the hospital.