The trial began before the Mixed Jury Court of Athens with revelations about Stathis’s professional dealings with a Mykonos real estate agent. But what caused particular stir in the courtroom were the remarkable coincidences involving the properties the victim’s family was trying to rent—coincidences which, according to the prosecutor, link directly to the prime defendant.

According to the indictment, the first defendant allegedly murdered Stathis in Neo Psychiko on July 2, 2024, acting with intent and a calm state of mind. After approaching his car, he shot him repeatedly with two firearms. The second defendant is accused of aiding the killer by helping him obtain the car and motorcycle used in the attack.

With the opening of proceedings, Stathis’s widow, their two children, and his parents submitted a formal declaration supporting the prosecution. In court, the first defendant identified himself as the owner of a construction firm, while the alleged accomplice said he worked as a house painter. Both denied any involvement.

Mykonos and the Puzzling Real Estate Coincidences

First to testify was the victim’s widow. Emotional throughout, she told the court her husband had no enemies and had gradually become “number one” in his field through talent and hard work. Based on the case file, she said she had no doubt that the defendants were responsible for her husband’s brutal killing. “If you can bear to read the autopsy report—Panagiotis had 52 wounds. Fifty-two. Panagiotis, who wouldn’t hurt even an ant,” she said tearfully.

President: Where did your husband work professionally?
Witness: In Athens, across the country, and in Mykonos.

She described two earlier incidents in 2021 when Stathis was attacked, including one where she found him bloodied after being assaulted by a man on a motorcycle. He told her he suspected someone, but did not go further. When asked whom he suspected, she referred to a Mykonos real estate agent with whom a cooperation had ended badly.

Stathis was deeply shaken, she said, and no longer felt safe traveling alone.

The Attempt to Move Houses — and the Links to the Defendant

The widow then recounted the family’s efforts in 2023 to find a new home. A real estate agent—someone from their Mykonos professional circle—was helping them.

She mentioned a property on Bakopoulou Street. The striking detail, highlighted by the prosecutor, was that the first defendant was living at that exact address and number at the time of his arrest. “We had even reached the stage of phone calls about renting the place,” she said.

Another property was located at Patmou 24. The prosecutor pointed out that the cars used in the murder were later found in the building’s underground garage—and that the defendant’s sister lived in the building. “For that property, whom did you speak with?” the prosecutor asked. “A real estate agent,” the witness replied.

“That is quite a coincidence,” the prosecutor remarked. “All of Athens, thousands of properties—and you ended up with these two.”

The widow then detailed her husband’s long-standing professional activity in Mykonos, as well as past real-estate investments on the island. She also described a failed collaboration with a local real estate agent, which ended in serious disagreement when the agent allegedly sold a property on his own, despite plans to sell it jointly.

Testimony of the Victim’s Associate

A colleague and fellow surveyor testified next. He confirmed earlier altercations, one involving two young men who shoved Stathis. A second attack involved two men on a motorcycle. “We reported it, but nothing came of it,” he said.

The witness said Stathis had expressed suspicion toward the Mykonos real estate agent with whom their cooperation had ended.

He also described the scene of the murder: “I heard the gunshots, ran downstairs, and saw the scooter. The rider wore a white helmet and a black jacket. My mind went to Mykonos—not to a specific person, but because much of our business was there. We never had disputes with anyone.”

Another eyewitness testified that the shooter’s gun showed no recoil and that the rider appeared heavily built, “around 90–100 kilos.”

More than 30 witnesses are expected to testify during the trial.