Greek authorities are investigating the mysterious death of a 55-year-old homeless Canadian woman whose body was discovered in an abandoned building on the island of Crete.
A Familiar Face Goes Missing
Residents in the Agia Triada area of Heraklion, Crete's capital, were familiar with the woman, who was known to wander the neighbourhood. She was described by locals as someone who "never caused any trouble." However, she suddenly disappeared from view. The mystery deepened when people in the area began noticing a strange odour starting around New Year's Day.
Discovery in a Makeshift Shelter
Police were called and discovered the woman's body inside a derelict structure. Authorities estimate she had been deceased in the building for between one and three months before being found. The Greek City Times reported that such abandoned buildings are often used by homeless individuals or young travellers seeking temporary shelter.
An initial autopsy has been conducted. No immediate signs of criminal activity were found, leading investigators to believe foul play is unlikely at this stage of the probe. The official cause of death has not been released.
Search for Next of Kin and Safety Concerns
Police have not publicly released the woman's name, pending notification of her next of kin. Efforts are underway to contact the Canadian Embassy in Athens to assist in determining if she has surviving family members. Investigators told local media it did not appear the woman had relatives living in the area.
The tragic incident has sparked concerns among Heraklion residents about neighbourhood safety. The increasing use of abandoned buildings as makeshift shelters has raised alarms about potential public health risks and security issues.
While murder is statistically rare on Crete, the island has a higher homicide rate compared to other Greek islands and the mainland. Most homicides on Crete are linked to long-standing blood feuds or vendettas. A shooting in a village last November, tied to a family vendetta, left two people dead and at least ten injured. It is estimated there are between 600,000 and one million firearms on the island, which has a population of approximately 624,000 people.
The investigation into the Canadian woman's death remains ongoing as Greek police work to piece together the final months of her life.
