The 22-year-old man arrested for the attempted murder of a 33-year-old man in Aradippou appeared before the Larnaca District Court. The court approved his detention for eight days, while the police investigation continues. The victim is in critical condition at Nicosia General Hospital.

The 22-year-old suspect appeared before the Larnaca District Court on charges of attempted murder against his 33-year-old compatriot.

The police are investigating the suspect for the offenses of attempted murder, acts intended to cause serious bodily harm and injury—offenses that were committed at 12:30 a.m. today in Aradippou.

According to the investigating magistrate’s statement before the Court, “at 12:52 a.m., information was relayed from the Larnaca Police Department’s Message Control Center that there was an injured person in a specific area of Aradippou, whose injuries were likely caused by a knife.

Officers from the Aradippou Police Station immediately went to the area, where they found the injured person being picked up by an ambulance from the Emergency Medical Services (TAEP) of Larnaca General Hospital. 

Further investigation revealed that the suspect, along with the injured person and a third individual, had gone out for the evening and, upon their return at 0030 after midnight—according to witness testimony—had consumed alcoholic beverages, they initially engaged in a heated verbal argument in the outdoor area of the residence where they live, quarreled with one another, and then, after entering their residence, they continued to quarrel, resulting in the suspect using two kitchen knives—which he likely obtained from their residence— injured the victim in two places on the chest, three on the left arm, one in the abdominal area, and one on the right palm.

The injured man was picked up and transported by ambulance to the Emergency Department of Larnaca General Hospital, where he was examined and found to be in serious condition. After committing the crimes, the suspect fled the scene—his place of residence— was located two hours later in a neighboring area and taken to the Aradippou Police Station for further questioning.

During his oral interrogation, the suspect stated that he and the complainant are friends, live and work together, and admitted that he was the person who inflicted the injuries on the victim.

The scene was cordoned off and guarded overnight, and forensic examinations were conducted today.

An arrest warrant was issued for the suspect, and at 5:05 a.m. he was arrested at the Aradippou Police Station.

According to the investigating magistrate, the investigation is in its initial stages, and further investigative work is needed to complete the criminal case file.

Specifically, approximately 20 statements will be taken from individuals in the suspect’s work environment, as well as from other people who live and work at the same company. A number of pieces of evidence have been collected and will be sent for further forensic analysis; the suspect is expected to be questioned, and any claims he makes will be investigated; The two kitchen knives used by the suspect during the commission of the crimes are being sought, and crime scene reconstructions are expected to take place.

In addition, investigations will be conducted to identify the location where the suspect and the victim left on Saturday for a night out and to determine whether the events occurred before their return at 0030 after midnight today, Sunday, and took place at their place of residence. Investigators will also seek to identify other individuals, aside from the suspect’s colleagues, who were with the victim and the suspect during their night out.

The victim is in critical condition and is receiving medical care at Nicosia General Hospital; a medical report is pending.

The suspect works in the Aradippou industrial area and, apart from his job, has no other ties to the Republic of Cyprus.

Investigations will be conducted in the area to secure closed-circuit surveillance footage.

The suspect filed a request with the court for legal aid. His defense attorney did not object to the police’s request to remand his client in custody for a period of 8 days.

The court proceeded to issue an order for the suspect’s detention for a period of 8 days.

Source: CNA