Irini Mourtzoukou, who has confessed to multiple child murders, now denies involvement in the death of 15-month-old Panagiotakis, arguing that his case doesn’t match the pattern of her previous crimes.
In her statement, Mourtzoukou says:
“The other babies were girls and under six months old. Panagiotakis was a boy and much older. He doesn’t fit the profile of the other victims.”
Mourtzoukou, who has previously blamed her mother for pushing her into a psychological breakdown, now accuses Panagiotakis’ mother of being responsible for the child’s death.
She also describes Panagiotakis as a source of emotional strength, claiming:
“He gave me the will to live and helped me face my darkest moments. I would never harm him. He was the reason I survived and found hope again.”
She insists she had no involvement in the child’s death, stating:
“I have absolutely no responsibility. I could never hurt him.”
Mourtzoukou further alleges that Panagiotakis’ mother tried to frame her:
“She’s spent months pressuring me to take the blame for his death. But I cannot carry the guilt for the loss of the one person who gave me hope.”
Claims of Post-Death Shelter and Fear for Her Safety
In a surprising claim, Mourtzoukou says that after the child’s death, his mother secretly housed her in Amaliada from August 2024 to June 2025, which, according to her, contradicts the mother’s public image as a grieving parent.
She also states she is willing to testify, but only under formal subpoena and with protection:
“I’m ready to fully explain what happened, but I need an official summons and safety assurances.”
Mourtzoukou hints at the involvement of a third person who, she says, played a “crucial role” in the case:
“There is someone else involved. I will reveal their identity only to the prosecution, as I am receiving serious threats to my life.”
A Pattern of “Blacked-Out” Killings
In her confession regarding other murders — including her sister Zoe, her two children, and a friend’s child — Mourtzoukou attributes her actions to moments of mental disconnection, saying her mind would “go blank.”
“When my sister died, I was just 13. I didn’t even realize what I was doing. The same thing happened with my baby, with Katerina’s baby… I can’t explain it. I wasn’t thinking. Then suddenly I’d realize something terrible had happened.”
In one case, she describes beating her child in her sleep:
“I woke up and found I had hurt my baby. I tried to revive him. I didn’t want to hurt anyone.”
Final Remarks
Despite the horrific admissions, Mourtzoukou maintains that Panagiotakis’ death stands apart from the others:
“I’ve admitted my other crimes. I’ve carried that guilt. But I did not harm Panagiotakis. I never would have. He was my light in the dark.”
She concludes by expressing willingness to cooperate fully with authorities:
“I want everything to come to light. No part of this tragedy should remain in the dark.”
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