Forensic analysis of Elvis Shkambi’s phone keeps investigation into judge’s courtroom murder on hold, suspicions over uncle’s role

The investigation into the killing of Court of Appeal judge Astrit Kalaja, who was executed inside the courtroom on October 6 last year, remains stalled, as prosecutors are still awaiting the forensic report on the phone of Elvis Shkambi, considered the main suspect in the serious crime.

According to sources, in April the prosecution decided to extend the investigation by another three months in order to obtain the forensic findings from the seized phones of Elvis Shkambi and his uncle, Gjon Shkambi.

During this period, the forensic examination of Gjon Shkambi’s mobile phone has been completed, but prosecutors cannot close the investigation without first receiving the results for the phone of the suspected killer.

Investigators’ suspicions are focused on whether the uncle and nephew collaborated or planned the judge’s execution in advance. So far, Gjon Shkambi has stated that he had no knowledge of the actions of his nephew, Elvis, and for this reason he denies the murder charges.

However, prosecutors suspect that he may have played a collaborative role with his nephew Elvis, specifically as an instigator in the commission of the serious crime. For this very reason, investigators are keen to verify communications between them, as well as analyze conversations they may have had with third parties.

Judge Astrit Kalaja of the General Jurisdiction Court of Appeal was killed with three bullets on the afternoon of October 6, 2025, immediately after issuing a ruling against the Shkambi family in a property case in Shkodra.

Immediately after the shocking incident, Elvis Shkambi turned himself in to police, while his uncle was later also arrested.