DNA confirms the death of Eglant Koçi, the 34-year-old was executed by his close friend and the body was found a week later on the outskirts of Tirana

Eglant Koçi has officially been declared dead. DNA analysis carried out by the Institute of Forensic Medicine confirmed that the body found in the village of Cërruje, on the border between Tirana and Elbasan, belongs to the young man who was killed by his close friend.

Investigators took a sample from Eglant’s mother and, after carrying out all the necessary analyses, were unfortunately able to confirm that the body is that of the 34-year-old who was killed by citizen Armand Shakaj.

The Koçi family has been informed of the DNA results and is expected to appear at the premises of Tirana’s Institute of Forensic Medicine to collect Eglant’s body and lay him to rest.

Eglant Koçi was last seen on June 4 in the area of Wilson Square in Tirana, while riding a motorbike. In footage also published by Newsbomb.al, the young man was seen at a car repair shop just a few hours before he lost all contact with his family.

One day later, on June 5, his relatives reported his disappearance to the police, setting the authorities in motion.

In the following days, Serious Crimes officers managed to find the 34-year-old’s motorbike near the “5 Maji” area, and later identified the place where he is suspected of having been taken after the abduction.

However, according to investigators, only the suspected perpetrator, Armand Shakaj, later emerged from the place where Eglant Koçi had entered. He is also known as “Mand Dhelpra.” He executed the 34-year-old and put his body in a black bag, which he then threw into a ravine in the village of Cërruje.

Police have declared 41-year-old Armand Shakaj wanted, as he is suspected of abducting and killing the young man, his friend. Investigators are verifying whether he acted alone or in cooperation with other people.