Questions remain over the circumstances surrounding the death of a 37-year-old police officer whose body was found inside a police vehicle in Agios Dimitrios, in southern Athens.
According to preliminary forensic findings, the officer had severe pulmonary edema and signs of hypoxia. His death is estimated to have occurred 10 to 12 hours before he was found, indicating that he may have died as early as Monday afternoon.
The forensic examination did not identify any obvious signs pointing to a criminal act, according to Greek public broadcaster ERT. However, investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances of his death.
Alcohol bottle and unexplained injuries
The officer was found inside his service vehicle, although he had not yet reported for duty. Investigators are examining why he was sitting in the passenger seat rather than the driver’s seat.
An alcohol bottle found inside the vehicle is also being examined as a possible clue to the circumstances surrounding his death.
Investigators are additionally seeking answers about the fact that the vehicle was locked from the inside, as well as marks found on the officer’s neck and hands.
Police reconstruct his final movements
Investigators are working to reconstruct what happened from the time the officer, who served with the Athens Patrol Subdivision, left his home in Neos Kosmos on Sunday evening until he was found dead Monday night.
According to police sources, his wife did not report anything unusual and said there had been no argument between them before he left.
Police are also examining the officer’s cellphone, which was found inside the service vehicle. According to Greek police officials, the phone was still switched on and transmitting its location from the area where the officer was eventually found.
Toxicology and forensic tests could provide answers
Forensic pathologist Dimitris Galenteris told MEGA that all examinations must be completed before investigators can establish the precise cause of death.
He said authorities must first rule out both criminal activity and suicide before determining whether the death resulted from a violent cause, medication or another pathological condition unrelated to either.
“All of this will emerge from the completion of the forensic investigation,” Galenteris said, adding that histopathological and toxicological examinations are particularly critical in cases such as this.
The results of those examinations are expected to provide a clearer picture of the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death.
