A 43-year-old man from North Macedonia has confessed to the murder of 45-year-old Stavroula Levendaki in Chania, Crete. He now faces serious charges including premeditated homicide, illegal burial, and weapons violations.
‘I Regret It — I Ask for Forgiveness’
Shortly before being taken into custody, the suspect reportedly expressed remorse and asked for forgiveness — both from the victim’s family and his own. ‘I regret it; I want to apologize to the victim’s family and to my own,’ he allegedly told reporters, according to Star TV’s main news bulletin.
Family Takes Legal Action
The victim’s brother has filed a criminal complaint against the suspect’s wife, accusing her of making public statements that defame Levendaki’s memory. He also intends to pursue legal action against the suspect himself for slander, claiming efforts were made to implicate his family in the case.
The complaint follows provocative remarks by the suspect’s wife, who reportedly claimed her husband ‘could not possibly have had any connection with the victim’ — using what family members describe as offensive language toward Levendaki.
Court Appearance Under Heavy Security
The suspect appeared before the Chania courts on Tuesday morning under strict security measures. Accompanied by a large police escort and wearing a bulletproof vest, he entered the courthouse with his head bowed and declined to make any public statement. His presence outside the court drew strong reactions from local residents gathered at the scene.
His defense team is expected to argue that Levendaki’s death resulted from a heated verbal altercation and physical confrontation — not from premeditated intent to kill. This claim is likely to form the core of his defense during his scheduled appearance for formal questioning on Friday.
The Final Moments and the Blood-Stained Van
Footage obtained by newsit.gr, captured by a security camera on 30 May at 4:18 p.m., shows Levendaki walking alone along the road leading to Varypetro, Chania — where the suspect lived. She is seen carrying shopping bags and heading toward the residence.
The video marks her last known movements before her death. Investigators continue their work, including forensic analysis of a van linked to the crime — reportedly found with traces of blood.