New forensic findings from the Hellenic Police’s official ballistics report have shed stark light on the deadly clash in Vorizia, a village near Heraklion in Crete. The report — described as shocking by investigators — confirms that at least 13 different firearms were used during the fatal confrontation that unfolded that fateful morning.
124 Casings and Multiple Weapon Types Identified
Forensic labs examined a total of 124 spent cartridge casings, eight bullets, five bullet fragments, one bullet core, one shotgun pellet, and two metallic shavings. Analysis revealed the casings originated from a diverse arsenal: five 9mm pistols, four Kalashnikov-type assault rifles, one .38 Special revolver, one .380 Auto handgun, one 7.65mm firearm, and one carbine. Experts believe the 9mm casings likely came from Glock-style or similarly constructed pistols.
Four Distinct Kalashnikov Rifles Used
Of particular note is the evidence surrounding the Kalashnikov rifles. Among the 76 casings linked to this weapon type, experts concluded they were fired from four separate rifles: 16 casings from the first, 21 from the second, 27 from the third, and 12 from the fourth.
Crucially, the bullet recovered from the body of 39-year-old Fanouris Kargakis did not match any of those four Kalashnikovs. Additionally, a fragment of another 7.62×39mm bullet — the same caliber used in Kalashnikovs — was found inside Kargakis’s agricultural vehicle. However, ballistic analysis showed the markings on this fragment and the fatal bullet do not match, indicating they came from different weapons. This strongly suggests at least two distinct Kalashnikov rifles were used against Kargakis — though the report does not identify which one fired the lethal shot.
Possible Link to Past Incidents
Another significant finding is that some of the 9mm casings recovered at the scene appear to have been fired from the same pistol previously used in two earlier armed incidents in nearby Tympaki. If definitively confirmed, this weapon would connect three separate criminal cases over roughly five years — adding a new investigative dimension for authorities.
Unresolved Questions Remain
Despite these detailed findings, key questions remain open. Investigators are still working to identify the specific bullet that killed 56-year-old Evangelia Fragkiadaki and to pinpoint the exact firearm responsible for Kargakis’s fatal injury. Authorities are also continuing to examine other evidence, including witness statements and surveillance data, as the probe moves forward.