Limassol, Cyprus. A 28-year-old suspect in the premeditated murder of 49-year-old businessman Stavros Demosthenous will remain in custody until the trial on April 29, after a Limassol criminal court decision on Thursday. The court dismissed a defence request for the suspect’s release on bail.
Court decision on bail request
The criminal court examined a request submitted on Tuesday by the defence seeking the suspect’s release on bail. The request was dismissed on the grounds that the suspect may be convicted, and he was returned to the central prison where the other accused are being held.
Arrest and allegations
The suspect was arrested along with another 28-year-old in Thessaloniki on a European court warrant. He is allegedly the person who drove the car that the killers boarded after abandoning their getaway motorcycle.
Charges and custody status of defendants
The defendants, two aged 28, two aged 30, one aged 31 and one aged 51, face charges including premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit a felony, conspiracy to commit murder, arson of a vehicle, illegal possession, transportation and use of a firearm, use of explosives and vehicle theft. All remain in custody except the 51-year-old, who was released on bail after his DNA was found on a stolen car used to watch the victim.
Killing and trial postponement
Demosthenous was shot dead while sitting in a car next to his 18-year-old son in the Ayios Athanasios area of Limassol on October 17, 2025. The trial was postponed on Tuesday to April 29 following the emergence of testimonial material that has yet to be disclosed to the defence.
What do you want to know about the charges and next steps in the April 29 trial?