Man remanded for shooting man he believed killed grand-daughter

A 74-YEAR-OLD Nicosia man was yesterday remanded in custody for eight days in connection with the attempted murder of a youth whom he apparently holds responsible for the death of his grand-daughter in a traffic accident some two years ago.

Marios Loizou, 20, is in serious but stable condition in Larnaca hospital’s intensive care unit, suffering from wounds to his thorax and back caused by a hunting shotgun.

The incident happened at 1pm on Sunday in the Levadhia area, police said.

The suspect allegedly shot Loizou twice as he tried to escape.

Pellets also hit two neighbours in the legs, police said.

Reports said the elderly man had been hiding behind an electricity pole and had asked the victim if he was Marios before firing.

Police tracked the suspect to Nicosia – at an Anthoupolis coffee-shop, where he reportedly told the arresting officers that “instead of her lighting my candle, now I will be lighting hers.” 

He was referring to the small oil lamps which are kept alight at the graveside of loved ones.

“I am fed up with this situation,” the suspect was quoted as saying.

The accident in which his 18-year-old grand-daughter was critically injured happened on February 15, 2010 on the Psimolophou to Tseri road.

Chrystalla Achilleos died in hospital two months later.

Achilleos, along with another girl, 18, had been passengers in the car driven by Loizou, which overturned in a field due to speeding.

A church service had been held earlier Sunday to mark the second anniversary of her death.

Police said the victim had received threats from the suspect’s family and had been forced to move to Levadhia from Lakatamia.

Officers have also recovered the shotgun believed to have been used in the shooting.