A 16-year-old boy has been placed in pre-trial detention in connection with the fatal beating of a 17-year-old in the northern Greek city of Serres.

The minor, who is facing charges of intentional homicide committed in a calm mental state, was brought before the investigating magistrate on Tuesday. With the agreement of the public prosecutor, it was decided that he would be held in temporary custody following his testimony. The incident occurred late on Monday night in Serres.

During the preliminary investigation, the accused admitted to striking the victim, reportedly following an argument involving a girl.

Forensic findings revealed extensive and severe injuries across the body of the 17-year-old victim. According to the autopsy report, which has been included in the case file, the teenager suffered traumatic brain injuries as well as ruptured internal organs. His funeral took place over the past few days in an atmosphere of deep mourning.

Meanwhile, the mother of the accused has raised complaints regarding the treatment of her other son. According to her account, the accused’s brother and a friend were at home and were on their way to the Serres courthouse when they were stopped by officers of the DIAS motorcycle police unit. The two minors were taken in for questioning following an identity check. The mother alleged that their detention was deliberate and retaliatory in nature, claiming that authorities were attempting to implicate both boys in the case.

Family of Victim Questions Sole Responsibility

Speaking to Live News, Alexandros Chalkiopoulos, the lawyer representing the family of the 17-year-old victim, said that the grief of the teenager’s friends was evident but insisted that key aspects of the case remain unclear.

“The truth is very different from what is being said,” he noted, reflecting the family’s position. “Our suspicions are that there is more than one perpetrator and that other individuals remain at large. It is impossible for such injuries to have been inflicted by a single person.” He added that there are details witnesses may be afraid to disclose.

According to Chalkiopoulos, video evidence indicates that the victim returned home by car, accompanied by friends.

Prior Record and Family Background of the Accused

Police records show that the 16-year-old had previous encounters with authorities. He was taken in for questioning in July 2023 and June and November 2024, arrested in June 2024 for possession of a small quantity of cannabis (0.32 grams), and in March 2024 for receiving and distributing stolen property as well as theft committed with two other individuals.

Sources also indicate that following his first arrest in 2024, procedures were initiated to remove custody from his mother and transfer it to other relatives. The mother reportedly refused, after which the minor was placed under the supervision of the Serres Juvenile Probation and Social Welfare Service of the Ministry of Justice as a corrective measure.

The accused’s uncle, also speaking to Live News, described a troubled family environment. According to his account, both parents struggled with substance addiction. He said the mother had left the family years ago to move to Thessaloniki, leaving the children in the care of their grandparents, while the father died last year.