Murder of Young Man in Ksamil/ Portuguese Media: Luis Mendes’ Body Will Undergo an Autopsy in Albania

Portuguese media have published an article about the murder of Portuguese tourist Luis Miguel Varela Mendes, who was stabbed by Sokrat Vata. The main suspect in the murder worked as a security guard at the beach where the crime took place and had a criminal record.

The media reports that Luís Mendes’ body will undergo an autopsy in Albania. The Albanian suspect fled the scene and was arrested several hours later after being found hiding in the trunk of a car.

The incident began at around 5:15 a.m. on August 18 at the “Principote” venue in Ksamil and later continued at “Paradise” beach.

Sokrat Lipan, alias Sokrat Vata, 29, is suspected of stabbing the 20-year-old Portuguese man several times during the altercation, while 29-year-old David Heurtevent, who is wanted by police, is suspected of punching him. Both are accused of intentional homicide in cooperation.

Before the stabbing, four waiters at “Principote”—Serxhi Selimi, Ervis Bunci, Ildi Cekani, and Murat Zhabina—were also involved in the altercation. According to police, they punched the 20-year-old and then left the scene.

Police officers were also present at the venue. They were Miosid Matushaj, Luciano Seferi, an employee of the Fier Prison Institution, Romeo Shehu, an employee of the Gjirokastër Municipal Police, and Kristi Koshi, who were working as bodyguards.

According to the investigation, they did not intervene to prevent the altercation and did not notify the police after the incident. For this reason, they are accused of failing to report a crime, while Miosid Matushaj is also accused of failing to take measures to stop the unlawful situation.

The owner of the “Principote” venue, Bekim Bulica, was also present during the incident and left after the crime. He is wanted for failing to report a crime.