Hacker faces new murder charges

A 24-year-old Cypriot held as the main suspect in the disappearance of a man whose torched vehicle was found in rural Nicosia, is now facing additional charges of premeditated murder, as police said more evidence emerged on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old was remanded for another eight days by a Limassol court on Tuesday on murder charges, after police heard the suspect’s uncle testify that his nephew had admitted having killed 31-year-old Angelos Pericleous.

Pericleous has been missing since 20 April, with the main suspect remanded in custody on suspicion of kidnap with the intent to murder.

He is also facing charges of arson, after the victim’s car was found torched in a rural Nicosia area.

In the latest turn of events, the suspect’s 71-year-old uncle told police that his nephew confided to killing and burying the victim.

The 71-year-old had also been arrested for aiding his nephew to burn Pericleous’ car. The man claims that he did so as his nephew held him at gun point.

Reportedly, the 24-year-old had also employed the assistance of a 38-year-old man, who had also been arrested.

Both men have pointed out the spot where Pericleous’ car had been torched. Meanwhile, as reported, clothes allegedly worn by the suspect were found in Pericleous’ car.

Reports say that a T-shirt was found, which the suspect had been seen wearing when he visited a department store to buy tools, scissors, ropes and knives earlier in April.

Eyewitness reports also have the suspect being the last one to see Pericleous alive, as he was seen leaving the victim’s house with Pericleous on the day he had disappeared.

The suspect had been described as a friend of the victim, but additional reports said they were involved in a violent argument prior to the disappearance, with the 24-year-old claiming Pericleous had beaten him up.

He also reported on 14 March that Pericleous had stolen EUR 100,000 from him, as well as a Rolex watch and three mobile phones.