A 58-year-old man is being held in custody, facing charges of premeditated murder concerning the death of Alexandros Antoniou last month in Paphos. The suspect is accused of fatally stabbing Antoniou, his daughter's former partner, following a prolonged period of increasing animosity between them. Paphos District Court ordered the defendant's detention until his trial, scheduled for early 2026, citing him as a significant flight risk.
The fatal incident occurred on the evening of November 19 outside a kiosk in the Konia district, near the suspect's daughter's residence. Prosecution evidence suggests the accused approached the victim's parked car with his hand concealed, subsequently opening the driver's door to initiate a knife attack. The critical injury, severing the carotid artery, led to exsanguination, confirmed by a forensic pathologist's report as the cause of death.
Prosecutor Soteroula Papalazarou presented a compelling case, including CCTV footage of the event. Crucial genetic analysis also indicated that DNA matching the suspect was recovered from the rear of the driver's seat. A witness on the phone with Antoniou during the assault provided further damning testimony, recounting threats from the assailant such as, "if you mess with E… again I will kill you," and a demand to "Leave her alone."
The court learned that this violent confrontation was the culmination of a troubled history. The suspect's daughter had reportedly informed her father about a threatening message received from the victim. Furthermore, the pair had previously filed a complaint alleging Antoniou had vandalized her car tires, demonstrating a pattern of conflict preceding the fatal incident.
In announcing the remand decision, the presiding magistrate highlighted the seriousness of the premeditated murder charge and the inherent risk of the defendant absconding. Police were instructed to ensure the suspect receives necessary medical attention during his incarceration. While the defence did not formally contest the remand, they attempted to contextualize the act, arguing the initial strike was unintentional, a perspective that did not alter the court's evaluation of the alleged intent.
The trial is now scheduled for January 29, 2026, at the Paphos Criminal Court, necessitating a lengthy period of pretrial detention. Proceedings will determine whether the act is classified as premeditated homicide or if mitigating circumstances surrounding the defendant's motives will be considered. This tragic event, stemming from a personal dispute, has claimed a life and profoundly impacted another.