Harmanli murder: 21-year-old detained for killing peer

Harmanli murder Haskovo District Court strangulation Bulgaria crime Stefan Milanov

A 21-year-old man, identified as Stefan Milanov, has been placed in custody by the Haskovo District Court following the murder of his peer, Ivan Mitkov, near Harmanli, Bulgaria.

The investigation began after Mitkov, a resident of Chernogorovo, was reported missing on October 13. Following an extensive search involving divers and firefighters, Mitkov's body was discovered on October 15 in the Harmanliyska River. Forensic examinations revealed that the victim had been tied up and strangled before being thrown into the water.

Investigators determined that the two men were seen together near the 'Prikazkite' complex the day before the disappearance. Evidence, including surveillance footage and witness testimony, suggests Milanov returned alone and subsequently attempted to sell the victim's mobile phone. While the defendant expressed regret and requested house arrest, the court ordered detention in custody, citing the severity of the crime and the risk of flight or further offenses.

Entities

Bulgaria · Chernogorovo · Harmanli · Harmanskiya River · Haskovo District Court · Haskovo District Prosecutor's Office · Ivan Mitkov · National Police Directorate · Stefan Milanov

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] A 21-year-old peer of the victim has been arrested and charged. viaranews.com · www.vesti.bg
[● 2 SOURCES] The suspect attempted to sell the victim's mobile phone. viaranews.com · www.vesti.bg
[● 2 SOURCES] The victim was last seen with the suspect near the 'Prikazkite' complex on October 12. viaranews.com · www.vesti.bg
[● 2 SOURCES] The victim was strangled before being tied up and thrown into the river. viaranews.com · www.vesti.bg
[● 2 SOURCES] The suspect has been detained for up to 72 hours. viaranews.com · www.vesti.bg
[● 2 SOURCES] A 21-year-old man from Chernogorovo village was found dead in the Harmanskiya River. viaranews.com · www.vesti.bg
[● 2 SOURCES] The defendant, Stefan Milanov, expressed regret for the incident during the court hearing. safenews.bg
[● 3 SOURCES] The Haskovo District Court ordered detention in custody for 21-year-old Stefan Milanov. safenews.bg · www.iskra.bg
[○ 1 SOURCE] Forensic examination indicates the most likely cause of death for Ivan Mitkov was strangulation. safenews.bg
[● 2 SOURCES] The body of Ivan Mitkov was discovered on October 15 in the Harmanliya River with his hands bound. safenews.bg
[● 2 SOURCES] The court denied Milanov's request for house arrest. safenews.bg
[● 2 SOURCES] Prosecutor Tsveta Pazaitova-Zhivakova stated that video footage exists showing the movement of the suspect and the victim toward the crime scene. safenews.bg