Thessaloniki: Butler Murder Trial - Wealthy Family Son Accused

The appeal trial for the murder of a 25-year-old butler from Sri Lanka, found dead in a mansion in Thessaloniki in February 2013, is being heard today.

A 40-year-old, the son of a wealthy family, is in the dock. In December 2024, he was initially sentenced to 15 years in prison for intentional homicide. He was initially acquitted in 2021, but the Supreme Court accepted the victim's mother's appeal.

The forensic report indicated strangulation as the cause of death. Authorities believe the crime was committed by someone known to the victim with a romantic motive. The defendant denies any involvement.

The military judges recognized the mitigating circumstance of the defendant's previously lawful life and imposed a 15-year prison sentence, suspending the appeal, allowing him to remain free with restrictive conditions.

According to the reasoning of the decision, the victim's refusal caused the perpetrator to fear the revelation of his bisexuality, leading him to the murder.