Kalamata, Greece. A 41-year-old man stabbed his 39-year-old wife to death inside their home in central Kalamata in the early hours of Monday, police said. Their two children were sleeping in the next room during the attack.
Police response
The killing took place in an apartment at the corner of Vasileos Olgas and Kanari streets. Neighbours heard the woman calling for help and alerted police at around 2:00 am.
When officers arrived at the second-floor flat, other residents were waiting outside. They said the screams had stopped and no one was answering the door. When the husband opened it, he was covered in blood, and officers found the woman dead in the bedroom.
Children receiving care
Police took the couple’s children, aged 10 and 6, to the paediatric clinic at Kalamata Hospital, where they are receiving care and psychological support.
Arrest and charges
Police arrested the husband, who confessed to the killing. Prosecutors are charging him with premeditated murder, domestic violence and weapons offences.
Suspect’s account
Police sources said the suspect told investigators he believed his wife was having an affair, although no evidence supports that claim. He also gave a version of events in which he said he woke up to find his wife standing over him with a knife and killed her after wrestling the weapon away from her.
Police reports said the man later placed the knife in her hands after the killing.
Investigation continues
The suspect also said the couple quarrelled frequently. A friend of the victim said she was shocked by the murder and was not aware of any problems in the marriage.
Kalamata detectives and traffic officers co-operated in the arrest. The suspect is due to appear before the Messinia public prosecutor, while Kalamata police continue to investigate the circumstances of the killing.