Murder suspect identified in death of Scottish mother on Greek island 15 years ago

An investigation into the death of a mother on a Greek island 15 years ago is to be reopened after a new murder suspect was identified.

Jean Hanlon, 53, from Dumfries, went missing in Crete and was found dead in Heraklion harbor in March 2009.

Her three sons always believed that their mother, who had moved to the island, was murdered and since her death, they have been fighting for justice.

In January, the family hired private investigator Haris Fluskounis, who re-examined the evidence before identifying the man he suspected of being responsible. A 29-page file was handed over to Greek prosecutors.

The family's lawyer, Apostolos Xiritakis, said: “We hope that the case will be reopened in order to open investigations into the person we name as a suspect. »

Jean’s eldest son Michael, 39, said: “The person identified was someone mum knew. This is no one who has been accused before. The person was in plain sight and was arrested by police at the time.

“Haris produced a 4,900 word report. The report clearly examines the motive, the evidence, and then the evidence and context.

“Now the matter will be resolved. We have identified the person who killed our mother and the puzzle is almost complete. The authorities have no choice but to reopen the case. You must then wait for an arrest warrant to be issued. The evidence has always been there. This should have been done back then. If that were the case, I don't think we would be here today.

“The family believes 100% that this person is responsible. After reviewing the evidence in the report, it is difficult to see how it could be anyone else.”

Jean had moved to the village of Kato Gouves four years before his death to start a new life after a divorce. She had made new friends, worked in the travel industry and worked in a bar.

She disappeared on March 9, 2009, after an evening. In the hours before her death, she had spoken to friends on the phone after meeting a man in a bar and later sent a final text message to a friend to say “help”.

Four days later, his body was removed from the port. Greek authorities initially said she had drowned. But under pressure from her family, a second autopsy found she suffered a broken neck, broken ribs, a punctured lung and facial injuries from a struggle.

It was concluded that she had died before entering the water. It emerged Jean had arranged to meet two rival friends at a bar hours before he disappeared.

The family's campaign forced the Greeks to open a murder investigation and two men, a Greek and a Belgian, were questioned. Both were released without charge. Judicial authorities ruled in 2012 that there was not enough evidence.

Police decided to re-examine the case in 2019 when a documentary broadcast in Greece highlighted his sons' quest for justice. But this investigation was interrupted for lack of new evidence.

In March 2021, police launched their third investigation. The case has been referred to the Organized Crime Department. Neither the Greek police nor the Justice Ministry responded to requests for comment.

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