Crete is experiencing one of the darkest moments in recent years following the murder of 21-year-old Nikitas Gemistos in Ammoudara, Heraklion, a crime that appears to be the bloody culmination of a deep and long-standing feud.

The young man died on the afternoon of May 5, 2026, on his birthday. Accused of the murder is 54-year-old Kostas Parasyris, father of Nikitas’ close friend, who was killed in a car crash in 2023 when the 21-year-old was the driver of the vehicle.

According to reports, the 54-year-old spotted Nikita’s car on Papandreou Avenue and rammed his vehicle, forcing him to pull over to the side of the road. The two men got out of the cars and a heated scuffle ensued.

Witnesses say Nikitas tried to remove the gun from the gunman’s hands, attempting to defend himself at the last moment. The 54-year-old then began firing repeatedly at him. The 21-year-old fell bleeding on the asphalt, but according to eyewitnesses, the assailant continued the attack even when the victim could no longer react.

Authorities are looking into the case as a premeditated execution, as it appears the tension between the two families had been going on for years. After the 2023 car crash, Nikita’s family had repeatedly reported threats and attacks.

In July 2024, there were official reports of intimidation, and a few months later the 54-year-old was accused of attacking the 21-year-old wearing a hoodie and shooting at him without wounding him. Despite a restraining order placed on him, the allegations of harassment continued until a few weeks before the killing.

After the crime, police forces were put on heightened alert for fear of reprisals and a new cycle of violence. A heavy police presence is present around the homes of the two families, while the prosecution proceedings took place inside the Police House rather than in the courts due to the tense atmosphere.

The 54-year-old man was charged with intentional homicide in a calm state of mind, as well as with breaches of the firearms and ammunition legislation, after hundreds of cartridges were found in his home. His wife, who was with him at the time of the attack, was also charged with complicity.

Nikita’s funeral is being held today in Chono Mylopotamos, amid heavy mourning. His family has asked those attending to wear white clothes, wanting to say goodbye to the 21-year-old “like an angel”, as they call him. His father’s words over his son’s body were also shocking: “My child, I didn’t save you.”