A man has been accused of killing a British tourist who went missing during a night out with friends while vacationing in Greece two decades ago. Steven Cook, a 20-year-old from Sandbach in Cheshire, vanished in the town of Malia in Crete on September 1, 2005, during his first solo trip abroad. His remains were discovered in a well in 2017, but the case had remained stagnant until recently.
Cheshire Police have confirmed their engagement with Greek authorities following the revelation of new details. A lawyer in Crete, Ioannis Kostantoudakis, who represented Cook’s family upon the discovery of his body, disclosed that the ex-wife of another British tourist informed the authorities. She alleged that her former 38-year-old partner confessed to killing Steven while under the influence of drugs. According to her, he claimed to have been involved in a drunken altercation with a young man in Malia, resulting in the victim’s fatal injury. Subsequently, the ex allegedly disposed of the body in a well.
Chris Cook, Steven’s older brother, expressed mixed feelings about the recent developments. He emphasized the emotional toll the news had on the family, particularly coming shortly after the 20th anniversary of Steven’s death. Chris acknowledged that while legal justice might be served, nothing can compensate for the family’s enduring suffering over the past two decades.
This year’s anniversary marked the first time the family commemorated the occasion without their parents, both of whom passed away in recent years. An investigating judge in Greece has transferred the case to the Mixed Jury Court of Heraklion, scheduling a hearing for October 21. According to Mr. Kostantoudakis, Greek law allows for a trial in absentia, but physical presence may be required, potentially leading to an extradition request to UK authorities.
Cheshire Police acknowledged the progress in Steven Cook’s case, confirming the murder charge and the exchange of information with Greek officials. They stated their close collaboration with the Greek authorities and the ongoing support provided to Steven’s family by specialized officers.
Reflecting on his brother, Chris fondly remembered their shared experience of attending the 2005 Champions League final between Liverpool and AC Milan, where Liverpool emerged victorious in a penalty shootout after an intense 3-3 draw. He described Steven as a beloved individual with a kind-hearted nature, cherished by his friends, university peers, and everyone who knew him, making it unimaginable for such a tragedy to befall him.
