Investigations into the murder of 34-year-old Eglant Koçi have revealed new details about the dynamics of the crime, while police continue their search for the suspected perpetrator, Armand Shakaj, otherwise known by the nickname “Mand Dhelpra”, who remains at large.
Sources close to the investigation indicate that efforts and indirect contacts are being made with Shakaj’s family members with the aim of handing him over to the authorities. According to the same sources, these negotiations began before the victim’s body was found and intensified after the discovery of the serious incident.
However, the 41-year-old’s family has stated that they have had no contact with him and do not know his whereabouts.
Bullet in the head and the weapon still missing
Preliminary forensic examination has found a gunshot wound to the back of the victim’s head, an element that has strengthened investigators’ suspicions that Koçi was executed with a gunshot.
Despite numerous checks, the weapon suspected of being used in the crime has not yet been found by police.
Meanwhile, investigators have documented the suspect’s movements before and after the incident. According to the collected data, Shakaj is suspected of having changed at least seven phone numbers during this period, in an attempt to evade tracking by authorities.
Analysis of telephone data has shown that the signals of the devices were recorded in various areas of Tirana, which has raised suspicions that he may be hiding in the suburbs or in isolated areas of the capital.
The 34-year-old is being escorted to his final residence.
On Thursday afternoon, family, relatives and friends said their final farewell to 34-year-old Eglant Koçi. The funeral ceremony took place at the Shëngjergji cemetery, while the family has opened the doors of the morgue to receive condolences over the coming days.
The incident has caused a strong shock among family members and public opinion, due to the severe manner of execution and the close relationship the victim allegedly had with the perpetrator.
From mysterious disappearance to body discovery
According to investigations, Eglant Koçi was last seen on June 4 in the Wilson Square area of Tirana, where he was riding a motorcycle. Security cameras also filmed him near a car service station a few hours before he lost contact with his family.
The following day, family members reported his disappearance to the police, launching a search operation that lasted several weeks.
During the investigation, the victim’s motorcycle was found in the “5 Maji” area, while the environment where he is suspected of being held after the kidnapping was later identified.
According to the investigation team, only Armand Shakaj was seen leaving the area. Investigators suspect that after the murder, he put the body in a black bag and then transported it to the Cërruja area, where it was found hidden in a steep terrain.
Investigations also focus on possible accomplices
While the operation to capture Armand Shakaj continues, the investigative group is also verifying the possibility of the involvement of other persons in the kidnapping, transportation and hiding of the victim’s body.
The Police and the Prosecution are analyzing material evidence, telephone communications, and video footage to fully document the event and identify any person who may have assisted the suspected perpetrator before or after the crime.
Investigations continue, as authorities remain searching for the 41-year-old, who is considered the main suspect in the kidnapping and murder of Eglant Koç.
Note: Any person who may be mentioned in the content of this article, based on the criminal procedural and universal principle of the presumption of innocence, is considered criminally innocent, unless or until there is a final decision.