The investigation into the deadly armed incident in Vorizia, Heraklion, Crete, continues in full force as local and regional authorities work to piece together the sequence of events.
The Subdivision for Crime Investigation and Resolution of Heraklion, in collaboration with the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (DAOE) and the Faistos Police Department, has been conducting a thorough inquiry into the incident, described by authorities as a vendetta-related shooting.
On Wednesday afternoon, police arrested a 23-year-old man, reportedly the nephew of the late Fanouris Kargakis, in connection with the placement and detonation of a bomb at the home of the Fragkiadakis family. According to law enforcement, video evidence shows the suspect as the only person moving around Vorizia at approximately 10:30 p.m. on October 31, approaching the Fragkiadakis residence just minutes before the explosion.
The arrest follows an exhaustive investigation, which included the evaluation of testimonial, visual, and other forensic material, ultimately leading to the identification of the alleged perpetrator. The suspect was apprehended by officers of the TAE Messara unit under a judicial arrest warrant. Police have stated that further updates will follow as the investigation progresses.
Tensions between the two families involved remain high. Relatives report verbal confrontations and deep-seated hostility, with police maintaining a strong presence around the homes to prevent further clashes.
Thus far, authorities have arrested seven individuals directly involved in the violent incident, either immediately or following the execution of warrants, and two additional persons—a 17-year-old and a 56-year-old—for aiding, abetting, or neglecting the supervision of minors. Two suspects, aged 25 and 30, appeared before the investigating judge and prosecutor and were remanded in custody.
Extensive searches and seizures have been conducted, involving units such as EKAM, OPKE, and TAE, including 27 home searches, 21 inspections of barns and other sites, 17 detentions, and 352 identity and vehicle checks. Weapons, ammunition, and other objects were recovered and sent for laboratory analysis.
Despite these efforts, the firearms used in the massacre remain missing. Police believe that shortly after the incident, relatives moved the injured to medical facilities and concealed all weapons. The exact number of firearms and shooters is still unknown. The 39-year-old male victim sustained at least four gunshot wounds, two fatal, from firearms of different calibers, while a 56-year-old female victim was shot once. Relatives maintain that they did not fire any weapons during the confrontation.
Authorities emphasize that investigations continue at an intensive pace under the supervision of the Heraklion Public Prosecutor to fully identify all involved and resolve the tragic case.
