Her defense statement regarding the deaths of the infants was submitted in writing – She will spend the night on the 11th floor of the Athens Police Headquarters (GADA) – “When someone confesses without coercion, it’s obvious they have regretted it,” says the defense.

“She is taking the responsibility that corresponds to her,” said the lawyer of Eirini Mourtzoukou, who is expected to be transferred tomorrow to Korydallos Prison.

“She gave answers on everything” to the investigating judge in Patras, and after submitting her statement in writing, she was ordered into pre-trial detention, according to her defense attorney, Nikos Alexandris.

After her testimony, Eirini Mourtzoukou was taken back to GADA, where she will spend the night in a specially designated area of the Homicide Division on the 11th floor. From there, she will be transferred to Korydallos Prison tomorrow.

According to her lawyer, the accused “remained committed to her decision to assume the share of responsibility that truly corresponds to her, because, as you know, she is not solely responsible.” With both the investigating judge and prosecutor agreeing to her pre-trial detention, the case file will proceed accordingly.

“She said what needed to be said”

Mr. Alexandris was less specific when addressing the case of little Panagiotis, the infant who died last August while Eirini Mourtzoukou was present. In her earlier deposition to the Homicide Division, she had denied involvement in his death. “The defendant said what needed to be said,” Mr. Alexandris stated, stressing the confidentiality of the process and reiterating that “from the start, we’ve maintained that she does not bear full responsibility for the deaths.”

Sources say that in her latest statement, Eirini Mourtzoukou did not deviate from her original deposition and did not respond to the judge’s questions. “She didn’t recant, nor did she avoid answering,” her lawyer insisted.

“Obviously, she has regretted her actions”

Mourtzoukou is said to be remorseful. “When someone confesses freely and without pressure, it’s obvious they have regrets. Even the worst criminals have the right to feel remorse and attempt to undo the consequences of their actions. So, a person who confesses to something that burdens them, even without being directly accused, is clearly seeking redemption,” her lawyer said.

Asked whether the defendant — who has confessed to murder — will request a psychiatric evaluation, Alexandris responded:
“Let me ask a naïve question: is there anyone here who thinks such an assessment shouldn’t be done, given everything in her record?”

Video: Eirini Mourtzoukou Leaving the Courthouse

Eirini Mourtzoukou was remanded into custody after her statement.

Protests Outside the Patras Courthouse

Her transfer began shortly after 8 a.m., under heavy police escort, from GADA to Patras. Security measures were high. Outside the courthouse, riot police (MAT) units were stationed. She entered through a side door at the corner of Gounari and Korinthou streets to minimize her distance to the investigating judge’s office on the ground floor.

Still, as she entered and exited the building, shouts of condemnation were heard from a gathered group.

Among them was Katerina, the woman whose child Mourtzoukou confessed to killing. Katerina is also her koumbara (a close family connection, like a godparent or maid of honor).

The Case File

Eirini Mourtzoukou is facing extremely serious charges, including:

• Intentional homicide (with malice aforethought),
• Multiple counts,
• Completed and attempted,
• Repeatedly and continuously,
• In four separate cases.

Specifically, she is accused of:

• Taking the lives of her two biological infants at different times,
• Killing another infant, the child of her friend Katerina,
• Attempting to kill an adult friend.

It’s noted that the 2014 murder of her younger sister, committed when she was a minor, has now expired under the statute of limitations.

Within the week, the forensic report from the three coroners investigating the death of little Panagiotis is expected to be submitted to the Homicide Division, potentially shedding further light on the case.