New details are emerging about the movements of the 48-year-old Albanian man before he murdered his 45-year-old compatriot in Nea Smyrni, a suburb of Athens, and then took his own life.

According to reports, before leaving his home, the 48-year-old left his wife 1,000 euros, telling her, “keep this so you have some money.” He then went to Nea Smyrni, where he killed the 45-year-old woman before immediately taking his own life.

The perpetrator’s wife, who was called in to give a statement, reportedly said that for around 18 months she had noticed a significant change in his behaviour.

According to her, the 48-year-old was frequently away from home and there were nights he slept elsewhere, though she said she did not know where he was or whether he was seeing another woman.

According to the same sources, she told police that she was afraid of him.

“I left him because he was jealous”

Meanwhile, statements from those close to the 45-year-old woman are expected to shed further light on her relationship with the 48-year-old, and in particular on the events leading up to the crime.

According to reports, the victim had confided in her sister that she was in a relationship with a man, but had decided to end it because of his jealousy. She reportedly told her sister that he kept pursuing her and that she was afraid.

On the night of the murder, the 45-year-old was alone at home. Her daughter was not in Athens, having travelled to Agrinio, a town in western Greece, with her uncle.

Cameras captured the crime

Meanwhile, police are examining the nature of the relationship between the 48-year-old and the 45-year-old, while his electronic devices are being analysed to identify communications or other evidence that could help build a fuller picture of what preceded the crime.

Footage from security cameras in the area, which recorded the crime, is also considered crucial evidence. According to the evidence gathered so far, the 48-year-old appears to have waited for the 45-year-old outside her home. When she opened the door and stepped outside, he shot her before turning the revolver on himself and taking his own life.

The weapon used by the 48-year-old was, according to reports, illegally in his possession.

His past in Albania is also under investigation

Authorities are also looking into the perpetrator’s past in Albania. According to information obtained by protothema.gr, the 48-year-old had previously come to the attention of the Albanian authorities in 2016, when he was arrested in Tirana on charges of raping his wife.

Albanian media have also reported that he was facing an outstanding case file for stalking.