Two suspects now in custody for Limassol murder (Updated)

A second suspect, 24, was arrested on Friday for the murder of 36-year-old Iryna Hurskaya, following the arrest of main suspect Aistis Mikalauskas, 29, earlier in the day.

Mikalauskas, a Lithuanian national, was arrested by police on Friday in connection with the murder of Hurskaya from Belarus, who is divorced and has three children.

During questioning, police said the 29-year-old allegedly admitted to the murder, while attempting to rob the woman’s home.

He also told police about the involvement of the 24-year-old, also Lithuanian, who has not been named.  Police launched a manhunt for the second suspect and arrested him later in the day.

However, it is understood that the man was on friendly terms with Hurskaya and frequently visited her house.

Reports said the suspect has been absent from work in the past few days, reinforcing authorities’ suspicions that he was implicated.

Limassol police spokesman Lefteris Kyriacou said Mikalauskas was found after a witness told them at 11:40am that they saw him near the Four Seasons Hotel in Limassol.

The suspect attempted to flee but was stopped by police on Amathountos Avenue.  Police said he dyed his hair black in an attempt to become unrecognisable.

Kyriacou also said witnesses told them the 29-year-old was in Nicosia for a few days, attempting to sell the items he stole from the victim’s home.

Both suspects will appear in court on Saturday to be remanded.