The trial over the death of three-year-old Angelos in Heraklion has entered its final phase. The case shocked Greece after the toddler was allegedly abused by his 27-year-old mother, Eleftheria (also known as Rhea), and her 44-year-old partner, Christodoulos (also referred to as Christos).
Today’s Hearing: Partner’s Statement Expected
On Monday, 29 June 2026, the 44-year-old defendant is scheduled to give his testimony before the Heraklion court. Following his statement, the prosecutor will submit their proposal, marking the beginning of the trial’s concluding stage. After closing arguments from defense counsel, the court will move toward issuing its verdict.
Mother’s Testimony: Denials and Shifting Blame
On Friday, 26 June 2026, Eleftheria testified that she was “a good mother” who “never hit her child, whom she adored.” When the presiding judge asked whether she had ever struck Angelos—given he was an energetic child—she insisted she never laid a hand on him.
She placed sole responsibility for the abuse on her then-partner, claiming she witnessed him physically harm Angelos only twice. In the first incident, she said she saw him strike the boy with the wooden frame of a baby swing on his knees and elbows, and recalled asking him, “What are you doing there? Why are you hitting him?” When she suggested taking Angelos to hospital, he reportedly replied, “We’re going nowhere—don’t get into trouble.”
In the second incident, she described finding Angelos injured on his leg, with an open wound. Again, she said she urged going to the hospital, but her partner refused.
Regarding the fatal day, she recounted that he sent her out to buy coffee—and when she returned, she heard him shouting, “Angelos! Angelos!” She found her son lying on the sofa, eyes rolled back, “only the white visible.” As she picked him up, he whispered, “Mama, mama, mama.” According to her, Christodoulos told her Angelos had “felt dizzy, lost his balance, and hit the side table.”
Medical Evidence: 32 Injuries Documented
A detailed forensic medical report lists 32 distinct injuries—including bruises, contusions, and burns—on the child’s torso, each occurring at different times.
Postponed Testimony and Additional Charges
The 44-year-old defendant was originally due to testify on 26 June but failed to appear in court, citing illness. As a result, only Eleftheria and Angelos’ biological father were heard that day. The father faces separate charges related to alleged abuse prior to Angelos moving to Crete with his mother and Christodoulos.