The forensic examination of the body of Limassol businessman Stavros Demosthenous, who was shot at least 13 times in his car on Saturday, determined that a gunshot wound to the head was the fatal injury that caused his death.
Meanwhile, police are continuing their investigation, examining evidence collected at the scene and reviewing CCTV footage from both the crime scene and the attackers’ escape route.
“We have already found shell casings from a firearm in the vehicle used by the perpetrators, while a hat believed to have been worn by one of them was also found near the scene,” police spokesperson Christodoulos Konsolos said.
Although no shell casings were recovered directly at the site of the shooting, police estimate that Demosthenous was shot at least 13 times, with three bullets ultimately striking the 49-year-old.
According to the investigation, two perpetrators are believed to have driven ahead of Demosthenous and his son in a white van.
When the van slowed down, one man exited through the rear door and allegedly opened fire with an automatic weapon. A second man then exited through the passenger door and also shot at the victim before both fled the scene.
The van was later found burning in the Yermasoyeia area, and the suspects are believed to have escaped on a large-capacity motorcycle.
As part of the investigation, police continue to take statements from people in the victim’s social circle, with particular attention on the testimony of his 18-year-old son, who witnessed the attack while driving the car.
“So far, several statements have been taken and are being evaluated, and evidence related to the case is being processed,” Konsolos said.
The head of the victim’s private security team is also expected to provide testimony, which investigators consider crucial to the case.
The fatal attack took place at around 9.30am, approximately 500 metres from the victim’s home. Demosthenous had been travelling as a passenger in a car driven by his son.
After the shooting, his son attempted to drive to the hospital but crashed on the motorway. He then flagged down another driver and asked for help to reach the hospital.
Demosthenous was taken to Limassol general hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police have described the murder as a meticulously planned operation.
“This is a very serious and well-organised criminal act, with extensive investigative work underway. Statements are being taken from witnesses and various leads are being examined. No arrests have been made so far,” police spokeswoman Kyriaki Lambrianidou told reporters on Friday afternoon.
She added that “anyone with information is urged to contact the police” and stressed that police are “fully committed to finding those responsible and bringing them to justice.”
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