Irene Mourtzoukou, 25, has been remanded in custody following her formal statement to the Patras magistrate on Sunday, in relation to the alleged murders of four infants — including her own two children — and the attempted murder of an adult friend.
The charges she faces are severe: serial homicide with intent, including both completed and attempted crimes. According to police, the alleged offences were carried out at different times and involve the deaths of her two biological infants, another baby, and the attempted murder of an adult female friend.
Mourtzoukou appeared before the examining magistrate accompanied by her legal counsel and submitted a written statement. Following over two hours at the Patras courthouse, the magistrate and prosecutor jointly decided to place her in pre-trial detention.
Upon leaving the courthouse, she was met with jeers and expressions of outrage from citizens gathered nearby, requiring heavy police presence to escort her safely to the waiting police vehicle. She was then transferred back to the General Police Directorate of Attica, where she will remain until being moved to Korydallos Women’s Prison.
Her lawyer, Nikos Alexandris, addressed the media, stating that Mourtzoukou provided “answers to everything” in her written deposition. Regarding the death of one of the infants, named Panagiotis, Alexandris said, “The accused said what needed to be said.”
He added: “She confessed, as previously declared, and did not retract her statement. She did not attempt to evade responsibility. She responded to everything, indicating her commitment to take responsibility for the portion of guilt that is truly hers — but not all of it. The legal process will now follow its course, and we remain at the authorities’ disposal.”
Responding to questions from journalists about whether Mourtzoukou answered the magistrate’s questions in person, Alexandris clarified that all responses were included in the submitted statement.
He further noted that, “When someone confesses without pressure, it is clear they have remorse,” adding that “even the worst criminals have the right to repent and attempt to make amends.” He stressed that “a person who confesses to wrongdoing without being accused evidently seeks redemption.”
When asked whether his client would undergo psychiatric evaluation, Alexandris replied pointedly, “Let me ask you — is there anyone here who believes such an assessment is unnecessary?”
Mourtzoukou was transported to Patras under strict security at 8:20am from the Attica Police HQ. During her court appearance, she wore a bulletproof vest and was surrounded by officers from the Homicide Division and the Organised Crime Directorate, forming a protective cordon.
She was ushered into the courthouse through a discreet side entrance at the intersection of Gounari and Korinthou streets to minimise exposure and shorten her path to the magistrate’s office, located on the ground floor.
The case has shocked the Greek public, with intense media scrutiny and growing calls for psychological evaluation and systemic reforms. Further developments are expected as the investigation continues.
