New details have emerged about the background of a 16-year-old boy accused of beating a 17-year-old to death in the northern Greek city of Serres, a case that has deeply shaken the local community.

Police arrested the teenager after he confessed to striking the victim during a confrontation late Monday night. Prosecutors charged him with intentional homicide, and he is expected to appear before a public prosecutor on Wednesday morning.

According to investigators, the fatal incident followed an argument between the two minors in a public area near a church in central Serres. Witnesses said the confrontation escalated quickly and was sparked by a dispute involving a girl. During the fight, the 16-year-old allegedly struck the victim in the head with his elbow, a blow authorities believe proved fatal.

After the assault, the injured 17-year-old was taken by friends to the entrance of his apartment building. Believing the injuries were minor, they left without seeking medical help. The teenager did not return to his family’s apartment but instead went to the basement of the building, where he later collapsed.

The following morning, his parents reported him missing. He was found unconscious by his sister a short time later and was rushed to the local hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead. The exact cause of death will be determined following a forensic examination.

Police said the 16-year-old admitted to the attack, telling officers he acted out of anger after learning the victim had contacted his girlfriend. Investigators also disclosed that the suspect had a long history of delinquent behavior despite his young age.

Authorities confirmed the teenager had been involved in criminal activity since the age of 13 and had previously been arrested twice, once for assaulting another minor and once for drug possession. His family background has also drawn scrutiny. His father died several months ago, and both parents were reportedly drug users.

The suspect had been living with his mother, who was arrested on Tuesday on charges of neglecting the supervision of a minor. Relatives had previously sought custody of the boy, but instead, oversight was assigned to a juvenile probation officer under the local prosecutor’s office.