Despite the dismantling of the terrorist organization “17 November” in 2002, key aspects of the case remain unresolved. The identity of the person who carried out the killing has never been confirmed. The identity of a woman believed to have been involved in the operation also remains unknown. In addition, the .45-caliber handgun used in the attack and the typewriter on which the organization’s proclamation was written were never found.

The assassination took place on the evening of December 23, 1975, outside Welch’s home in Psychiko, shortly after he returned from a Christmas gathering with his wife. Three masked individuals approached the residence, restrained Welch’s wife and driver, and shot him three times with a Colt .45 pistol. According to testimonies, a fourth person, a woman, remained inside the getaway car during the attack.

This woman, referred to as “Anna,” is described as tall, blonde, and well-educated. She is believed to have been part of the first generation of the organization and to have played a supporting rather than operational role. Authorities have never identified or located her.

The weapon used in the killing and the organization’s typewriter are believed to have been concealed by members of the group before their arrest. Dimitris Koufontinas is considered by authorities to be one of the people who knew their whereabouts, but they have never been recovered.

Another unresolved issue concerns the delivery of the organization’s first proclamation to French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre. According to reports, it was handed over by a woman known only as “Lena,” whose identity has also never been confirmed.

Investigations have also raised questions about security failures prior to the assassination. According to later accounts, Welch was under surveillance for months, yet no protective measures were taken. At the time, US officials reportedly believed Greece to be a safe country where such attacks were unlikely.

Today, the case file remains open at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia. After five decades, the killing of Richard Welch continues to be surrounded by unanswered questions.