Eirine Mourtzoukou, the 25-year-old woman accused of killing four infants and possibly a fifth, has been transferred to Korydallos women’s prison, where she is being held in the same wing as Roula Pispirigkou.
According to authorities, Mourtzoukou has been placed in a specially secured cell for her own protection. She is believed to be the first woman globally to confess to smothering four children, including her two sons, a friend’s baby, and her younger sister. She denies involvement in the death of a fifth child, an infant named Panagiotakis, which occurred in August 2024.
Mourtzoukou left the Athens police headquarters (GADA) under heavy police escort, accompanied by the officer who obtained her confession. She had earlier appeared before the Achaia Courthouse, which was placed under tight security, as crowds gathered outside to express outrage.
Investigation ongoing into fifth death
During her court appearance on Sunday, Mourtzoukou submitted a written statement rather than offering verbal testimony. Her deposition lasted over three hours, and she declined to answer several of the judge’s questions directly. However, the written statement is said to mirror the confession she previously gave to homicide investigators, expressing remorse for the four confirmed deaths.
Her lawyer, Nikos Alexandris, confirmed that she did not retract her confession and plans to accept the share of responsibility that “rightfully belongs to her,” though he claimed she is not solely responsible. He added that a psychiatric evaluation will be requested for the accused.
Mourtzoukou has denied any role in the death of Panagiotakis, suggesting that others present at the time- including the child’s mother and a close family friend- may bear responsibility. That case remains under investigation, with results from the three-member coroner panel expected later this week. The findings could lead to a fifth charge being filed.
Awaiting coroner’s report
Until the coroner’s report is finalised, Mourtzoukou will remain in temporary detention at Korydallos, following the joint decision of the investigating magistrate and the public prosecutor. Her transfer came after a brief period in high-security custody on the 11th floor of GADA, rather than the usual 7th floor, due to security concerns.
The case has shocked the Greek public due to its scale and parallels drawn with other recent high-profile infanticide cases. Authorities are treating Mourtzoukou’s claims and confessions with caution, pending further forensic evidence.
Also read: Mourtzoukou ‘ready to confess everything’ in Sunday testimony
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