Strangled in his own bed

POLICE were yesterday hunting the killer of a Limassol pensioner found half-naked and strangled to death at his home on Sunday night.

Lakis Ioannides, a retired pharmacist who lives alone at his home on Zinonos Street close to Heroes’ Square, was found by a relative at around 6.20pm on Sunday.

He was half-naked and strangled on his bed, with investigators saying they are investigating his death as premeditated murder.

Ioannides, a former pharmacist, was attacked before being strangled with what police suspect was either a wire or a length of rope.

No money or valuables were missing from his home, although Ioannides’ mobile telephone is said by officers to be missing.

Investigators strongly believe that he may have been in contact with the killer and that his telephone was taken so the culprit could avoid detection.

An autopsy was made on the victim yesterday by State Pathologist Eleni Antoniou.

“The cause of death is asphyxiation as a result of strangulation. It is likely that the victim’s death is crime-related because he had numerous injuries to his head prior to his death… The victim sustained blows before the attack, injuries to his trachea and larynx, most likely from a wire or rope, and defensive injuries to his right arm.”

Antoniou placed the time of the murder between Saturday midnight and early Sunday morning.

Police were yesterday still in the process of interviewing and taking down statements from friends and relatives of the victim.

Reports suggest that investigators have already collected evidence at the crime scene, including DNA evidence which they suspect could belong to the attacker.

The attacker is said to have been a strong person, judging from the way in which the victim was overpowered, attacked and eventually strangled to death.

Until yesterday, police were still trying to establish a motive for the cold-blooded murder.

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