Crete remains gripped by shock and grief following the brutal double murder in the village of Vorisia, Heraklion, which has revived painful memories of violent vendettas on the island. Late on Tuesday night, the three brothers accused of involvement in the fatal shooting surrendered to police, bringing a tense manhunt to an end.
The suspects, aged 27, 29 and 19, arrived voluntarily at the Heraklion Police Headquarters, accompanied by their lawyers and relatives. According to police sources, the 19-year-old is a serving soldier, and investigators were able to trace him through his army commander. Their surrender followed continuous pressure from local mediators who feared an escalation of violence between the two families involved.
The victims — 57-year-old Evangelos Fragkiadakis and his 56-year-old wife Evangelia Fragkiadaki — were shot dead during a violent confrontation outside their home. Forensic reports indicate that high-calibre weapons, including a Kalashnikov-type rifle, may have been used in the attack.
Despite the horrific nature of the crime, the families of both victims and suspects have appealed publicly for calm. “Let this be the end of evil,” said the elderly mother of Evangelia, while the wife of one of the suspects, a young mother herself, urged: “Let the children live, let this stop now.”
Crete has a long history of family feuds and honour-related disputes, but community leaders and clergy are urging restraint, saying that such cycles of revenge belong to a darker past. Police continue to investigate the origin of the weapons and any additional individuals who may have assisted the suspects before their surrender.
The tragedy in Vorisia has once again highlighted the enduring challenge of breaking the chain of vendettas in rural Crete, where family honour can still, at times, lead to unspeakable loss.
