Authorities have expanded their search to a neighboring region, while tensions in Vorizia remain high following the funeral on Monday afternoon of one of the victims, 39-year-old Fanouris Kargakis.

Two wounded suspects, who participated in the armed confrontation, are currently hospitalized under police guard at PAGNI Hospital. They face severe charges including intentional homicide, attempted multiple homicide, and violations of weapons laws. Their court hearings are scheduled for this Thursday, and the case file has already been submitted to the Heraklion Prosecutor’s Office.

Funeral of the Murdered Man Held Amid Heavy Police Presence

Today, the village of Vorizia held the funeral of Fanouris Kargakis, one of the two victims of last Saturday’s bloody clash, in a deeply sorrowful atmosphere under strict police supervision.

From early morning, the village resembled a fortress. Strong forces from the Special Anti-Crime Unit (OPKE), the Security Police, and the Traffic Police blocked roads leading to the Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. Checkpoints were also established in surrounding villages to prevent any potential violence or acts of retaliation.

Police presence was discreet but comprehensive. Authorities aimed to avoid any spark that could reignite tensions in a community living under the shadow of a vendetta for days now. Dozens of relatives, friends, and local residents attended the funeral, many with somber faces and bowed heads, struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of a young man who was killed within seconds, in the very place where he grew up.

Heartbreaking Moments at the Funeral

The body of the 39-year-old was carried from his family home, escorted by mourners. The procession paused briefly at the site of the massacre. In the heavy silence, broken only by the lamentations of women and the sobs of his wife, grief overflowed. “Why, my God?” she cried out before collapsing into the arms of her relatives.

“Fanouris…” friends and family whispered through tears.

The scenes were heart-wrenching: people who just days ago shared coffee together were now bidding farewell to a young man lost so tragically in a sudden outburst of violence that no one could stop. Locals say the village has not witnessed such a day since the 1950s, when other vendettas stained the region with blood. All hope that this will be the last time weapons are raised among relatives and neighbors.

Village on Edge as Police Maintain Vigilance

Meanwhile, the village remains “frozen.” Streets are deserted, shops closed, and many residents have stayed away from their homes, fearing renewed clashes. Police forces from across Crete, including special units flown in from Athens, continue operations in the area, conducting house-to-house searches for weapons and explosives.

Funeral Scheduled for Second Victim

Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 4th, the 56-year-old woman from the Fragkiadakis family who was fatally wounded during the clash will be laid to rest in Chania. The funeral service will be held at the Church of the Holy Cross in Alikianos, attended by relatives, friends, and residents from across the region. Her body was brought to Chania last night, where mourners received her with tears.

The local community prepares to say goodbye to the second victim of this senseless violence, hoping that tomorrow’s farewell will also mark the end of the bloody cycle unleashed in Vorizia.