Son, 62, arrested over death of 89-year-old woman found dead in Menidi

The discovery

Police found an 89-year-old woman dead inside her house on Soulíou street in Menidi, West Attica, in the early hours of Monday, 12 October 2026. Reports give different times for the discovery, ranging from about 1 a.m. to shortly after 2 a.m. Neighbours heard shouting from the house, and the woman's 62-year-old son was heard calling for help and asking for an ambulance. Her 69-year-old nephew went to the house, found her unresponsive and her son inside, and alerted the authorities. Officers who arrived at the scene found the woman dead in her room. The son lived with his mother in the house, and both worked as scrap collectors.

What the forensic examination found

The forensic pathologist Symeon Mesogitis recorded multiple head injuries and injuries to the chest, according to reports. Bruises on the face and neck and signs of a struggle were also found on the body. Defensive wounds on the hands indicate that the woman tried to resist. The cause of death was asphyxia, caused by blocking of the airways after her mouth was closed with hands and pressure was applied to her neck. Older abrasions and bruises were also found on her body, and reports say their origin and timing will be assessed during the investigation. No explanation has yet been given for when or how those older marks were caused.

The son and the investigation

Police arrested the 62-year-old son on a charge of intentional homicide, according to Skai. He has not confessed. Reports describe him as nearly blind and as having psychological problems, and police sources said he had previously been involved in drug-related cases. In his statement he said two unknown men had broken into the house, restrained him and attacked his mother. Police found no sign of forced entry at the house, and officers noted a series of contradictions in his account. The 69-year-old nephew, who alerted the authorities, was also taken in for questioning. Police are continuing to take statements from neighbours to establish the circumstances.

Timing and next steps

The forensic estimate places the death around 18:00 on Sunday, 11 October, several hours before the discovery in the early hours of Monday. This reverses the early assumption that the death had happened shortly before the woman was found. The examination has therefore shifted the focus of the inquiry to the Sunday afternoon and evening. The son and the nephew were brought to the Western Attica Police Directorate for questioning. Investigators have yet to establish the origin of the older marks on the woman's body. Police are still taking statements from neighbours.