Quotes from ΠΡΩΤΟ ΘΕΜΑ Interview

Translated on 11 February 2024 for Your True Crime Library.

On his time in prison:

The guards and those responsible were kind and just to me. I never felt threatened but I was in solitary for nine days in a 2x3 cell. Thank God I am not claustrophobic. The days were suddenly long and lonely, so I tried to read and think a lot. I even created differential equations and tried to solve them so that I could keep my mind alert. I had very little communication with the outside world and I didn't know what was going on. Once Norm Pattis and his team took the case, things changed after they visited me and together we prepared a plan.

On the surreal moment he found himself in an orange jumpsuit:

I never imagined myself in prison and, to be precise, I was actually pinching myself to make sure it was real and that I was not asleep and having a bad dream.

On the collapse of his marriage:

My marriage was not so happy since 2010. Jennifer gradually started to push me out of her life and became more distant. She was a hermit. I tried persistently to approach her and understand what was happening, but she never felt better. I am sorry to say it, but Jennifer suffered from serious psychological problems, which I didn't realize and I don't want to expand further into the subject. I left it alone & tried to make it work because I was in love with her and so I focused on other things that make our lives wonderful. Our children were growing up beautifully, my work was going great and I tried to enjoy life despite the fact that I was not happy anymore.

After a while I decided that if this situation continued, Jennifer and I would not be honest to ourselves, to our children and of course to each other, so I asked her to divorce in December 2016.

We had a civilized conversation and Jennifer asked me to try to save our marriage, but my heart was no longer there; I wanted to be the best parents for our children, the best of friends and to support each other, but without being together. We basically had no relationship for over six years and I didn't expect that this would change. At that point my contact with Jennifer was centred around the children and there were no intimate moments or mental connection any longer. I knew this would require (time to) process and we wanted time to figure things out, but for me the decision was already made.

On how often he & Jennifer fought:

No, we didn't fight often, almost not at all. Both Jennifer and I are calm characters. In March 2018 I told her I had feelings for Michelle and that we could no longer be married. We had long discussions, all very civilized. We decided to end our marriage & stay friendly. We agreed to wait until after the end of the school year.

As I said, the children understood, so, as we agreed, we talked to them early in summer and they accepted it very well. Petros said that this is for the good of everyone and we told them about Michel and Nicole (editor: the daughter of his partner from another marriage) and about their relocation (moving) to Connecticut.

On Jennifer’s disappearance:

I can't explain it & do not understand it. I hope the police find her. I hope she is alive.

I am very concerned about her disappearance, so what I think (translator added for context: what exactly happened & whether he believes she is dead or alive) is not that important. I say it again, I hope she is alive.

What he thinks of Michelle Troconis following her third police interrogation:

My heart is with her. Michelle is experiencing an incredible pressure. I know her, I love her and I am sure she will tell the truth in the end.

On his prayers and his children:

I try to be strong. I pray for Jennifer and my children, Michelle and her daughter and I try to be grateful for the family and friends I have every day. My children are all I have and it makes me very sad to think about the fact that I have not been able to be with them. It has been almost five months without being able to talk to them and see them.

On whether there is anyone on his side:

I have been supported by my whole family, my friends, my high school classmates, my colleagues, and people I’ve never met who approached me and told me that they support me in what I am experiencing and that they believe I am innocent.

What he would say to any of his Greek friends or acquaintances who may see him/read about him in the press:

My friends and acquaintances in Greece know who I am. I don't have to say much to them.