The village of Voriza, on the island of Crete, is cautiously returning to normal life following the deadly shootout that left two people dead and the community in shock two weeks ago.
On Monday, elementary and kindergarten classes resumed under the watch of police, with psychologists and social workers stationed in the area for at least two weeks to support students and teachers. The decision was made jointly by local and national education authorities to ensure a safe and supportive environment.
“We are focusing on restoring a sense of safety,” said Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki, emphasizing that daily life — from schooling to social activities — must resume to help the community heal.
Reopening Amid Tension
The Municipality of Phaistos confirmed that schools reopened after extensive coordination between education officials, mental health professionals, and local authorities. Teams sent from Athens and Crete are providing on-site psychological support for students and their families.
The municipality thanked the Education Ministry for its “immediate response and ongoing concern,” noting that efforts to restore normalcy require cooperation among educators, parents, and officials.
Judicial Proceedings and New Evidence
Meanwhile, the judicial investigation continues into the violent feud that erupted between two local families, resulting in the deaths of a 39-year-old man and a 56-year-old woman.
Three brothers, aged 19, 27, and 29, have been remanded in custody on charges of intentional homicide and attempted homicide, following hours-long closed-door testimony sessions at the Heraklion police headquarters. They deny all charges and are expected to be transferred to prisons outside Crete for security reasons.
Two relatives of the deceased 39 year old will also appear before an investigating magistrate on Monday to provide further testimony.
Ongoing Police Search
Police investigations continue to focus on locating the weapons used in the shootout. Authorities are analyzing video footage showing two men transporting a wounded relative in a pickup truck — a vehicle suspected to have carried part of the attackers’ arsenal.
Despite extensive searches in remote areas of Mount Psiloritis, including barns and abandoned farm buildings, no weapons have been found. Elite police units remain deployed to ensure order and prevent possible retaliation.
Shocking Images and Community Fear
Newly released photographic evidence offers a chilling timeline of the tragedy. Images show the 39-year-old victim’s truck parked outside his home moments before he left for the village center, allegedly carrying weapons. Minutes later, both he and the woman from the rival family were fatally shot.
Further images reportedly show the victim’s wife running in panic toward the scene of the gunfire — a harrowing depiction of the moments leading up to the fatal confrontation.
