19-10-2023 (HONGKONG) The man suspected of murdering a woman in the Miramar suburb of Wellington has been discovered deceased in Hong Kong.
The victim, identified as Irene Katsougiannis, aged 62, was officially named by New Zealand police following an extensive post-mortem examination.
The tragic incident unfolded when Katsougiannis was found lifeless at her residence on Totara Road in Miramar on October 16, just after 2 pm. Concerned about her well-being, a friend had visited her home, leading to the grim discovery. The police swiftly responded to the scene and launched a homicide investigation.
The ongoing investigation is progressing steadily, with the scene examination expected to conclude by the weekend. It has been revealed that the Wellington mother of three is believed to have fallen victim to her own son, who passed away in Hong Kong on the same day his mother’s lifeless body was discovered. Reports indicate that her son, Soteri Katsougiannis, who lived with her at the residence, is suspected of being responsible for her tragic demise.
Irene Katsougiannis was a coach at Netball Wellington and the founder of the Olympic Netball Club in 2014. Community director Sue Geale described Irene as a kind-hearted and dedicated individual who consistently sought to benefit the community. The netball club was like an extended family to her, and she warmly welcomed its members into her home. The individual believed to be responsible for Irene’s death, a man known to her, left New Zealand and later died in Hong Kong, prompting investigations by local authorities. Irene’s sudden loss has deeply affected Netball Wellington, as she was not only a coach but also the heart of the Olympic Club, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
Coincidentally, at approximately 2 pm on Monday (16th November), a foreign male individual in his 30s fell from a height at 29-31 Chatham Road North, Tsim Sha Tsui, striking the front of a taxi. The impact shattered the windshield, causing significant damage and deformation to the roof. The victim sustained severe head injuries and fractured limbs, which were scattered inside the vehicle. The taxi driver also suffered injuries, and both were rushed to the hospital for urgent medical treatment. Unfortunately, it was later confirmed that the victim had succumbed to his injuries. As the nationality of the deceased was not disclosed, it remains uncertain if the deceased man was the New Zealand suspect. Although the identity of the man has not been disclosed, it has been noted that he was transported to the hospital before his death.
Notably, Katsougiannis’ husband had passed away in 2017, adding another layer of sorrow to this tragic event.
