Man shot dead in Yeri during argument (Update 2)

A 29-year-old man was shot and killed in Yeri on Wednesday while his father, 52, was seriously injured, apparently over a parking spot.

Police have arrested their 58-year-old neighbour in connection with the incident. He is suspected of shooting both men with his hunting shotgun.

The suspect was arrested while trying to flee his house through the back door.

Reports said the victim, Stavros Antoniou and his father Frangiscos, had been at odds with the suspect because he had been parking on the pavement, blocking access to their residence on Karpasias Street.

The matter came to a head on Wednesday morning with the 52-year-old having words with the suspect.

His son entered the fray and according to reports, there was an exchange of blows. The suspect left the scene and returned shortly afterwards with his hunting shotgun.

He first opened fire at the 29-year-old, hitting him in the head, before turning the weapon on the father, whom he injured.

The suspect then returned to his home until the police arrived. Officers arrested him while attempting to flee the house through the back door wielding his shotgun.

The injured father was rushed to hospital for treatment. He is said to be in serious condition.

In his statements to the press, police spokesperson Christos Andreou said authorities received the call about the incident at 8.30am.

“Police officers were immediately dispatched to the scene where they found the 29-year-old’s body. Shortly after, they found the suspect trying to flee the scene while still carrying the shotgun,” he said.

Andreou said the 58-year-old neighbour was immediately arrested and brought in for questioning, while the area was cordoned off.

“Investigations are underway, but it appears that the two victims have had several arguments with their neighbour in the past months.

“The 29-year-old was rushed to the Nicosia General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“A post-mortem will be carried out on Thursday at 11.30am where forensic expert will confirm the cause of death, which will most likely be the gunshot wound on his head,” Andreou said.

As far as the victim’s father is concerned, the police spokesperson said he is currently sedated at the same hospital and that he remains in serious conditions.

“Meanwhile, the suspect is facing charges of premeditated murder and attempted murder, but we will able to know more in the upcoming days,” Andreou concluded.