Greek authorities continue to piece together the events behind Saturday’s deadly shootout in the mountain village of Vorizia, Crete, as the investigation deepens and new evidence surfaces. Despite extensive searches, the weapons used in the fatal clash remain missing, while police say the circle of those involved is becoming clearer.
Two men, aged 25 and 30, both members of the same family as one of the victims, were placed in pre-trial detention after giving testimony from their hospital beds at Heraklion University Hospital. They are accused of murder and attempted murder in connection with the violent episode that left two people dead.
The magistrate overseeing the case visited the hospital to take their statements, after first reviewing testimonies from female relatives — including the mother of the four brothers involved and the wife of one of the accused.
Defense Lawyers: “The Case Remains Murky”
Defense lawyers described the case as “extremely complex,” saying there is currently “no solid evidence proving the involvement of any of the defendants.” They also criticized the handling of the investigation, claiming they have learned key details “only through media leaks.”
Both defendants reportedly denied the charges, claiming they were attacked first and acted in self-defense. According to their version, the 39-year-old man killed in the incident had fired from his vehicle while driving at high speed, allegedly using a handgun. They also claimed they were targeted by gunfire from two individuals armed with Kalashnikov rifles positioned on higher ground.
New Video Evidence
Authorities are now analyzing new video footage reportedly filmed shortly after the shooting. The material is said to clearly show the types of weapons used, as well as individuals removing them from the area — a development that could prove crucial to tracing the missing firearms.
At the same time, the 43-year-old brother-in-law of one of the victims, who faces murder charges, has been granted time to prepare his defense before testifying on Monday. Another relative has also been arrested after being identified through witness statements and video evidence as one of the two men seen armed with a Kalashnikov.
Local Testimonies Point to Longstanding Feud
Tensions between the two families involved reportedly date back months, with local residents describing a climate of fear and hostility in the village. A woman speaking to Greek television said efforts at mediation had failed, alleging that threats were made even against school staff who attempted to calm the situation.
According to her, “They said they would burn us alive if we tried to discipline their children. From the moment we set foot in that village, nothing was peaceful.” She added that even young children have been drawn into the feud, warning that “their hands will be stained with blood too.”
Investigation Ongoing
Police remain on high alert as the search continues for the weapons used in the shootout — believed to include hunting rifles and assault weapons — while ballistic and forensic analyses are still underway. Authorities hope the combination of new evidence and forthcoming testimonies will clarify who fired the fatal shots and how the deadly confrontation unfolded.
