Mother Admits to Killing Four Babies After Months of Denial

Irene Mourtzoukou, a 25-year-old mother from Greece, has confessed to the murders of four infants, including her own children, after months of public denials. Her shocking admission came in July 2023 after she had appeared on Greek television, pleading her innocence in what authorities are now calling a series of intentional homicides.

Mourtzoukou is currently held at Korydallos Prison, located in the suburbs of Athens, under charges of serial intentional homicide and attempted suffocation. Her confessions revealed a disturbing pattern: she claimed responsibility for the death of her 18-month-old sister in 2014, her six-month-old godson in 2021, and her two daughters, aged 19 days and under two months, between November 2022 and March 2023. Prior to her confession, the deaths of these children were initially classified as natural causes, with autopsies attributing them to conditions such as pneumonia and epileptic seizures. However, subsequent examinations indicated potential asphyxiation.

Mourtzoukou’s mother publicly suggested on a talk show that her daughter may have harmed her sister, a claim that gained traction after the confession. The case has drawn widespread attention in Greece, sparking debates about the failures of child protection systems.

In her confession, Mourtzoukou explained that her first victim was her sister, whom she killed following an argument with their mother. She described feelings of regret but noted, “I did it, I regretted it, but it was already too late.” This complex relationship with her mother has been cited as a significant factor in her actions, with Mourtzoukou alleging a troubled childhood marked by abuse.

The investigation into Mourtzoukou intensified following the death of her ex-girlfriend’s son, Panagiotis, in August 2022. A coroner’s report suggested that his death might have involved foul play, leading to a criminal investigation that uncovered Mourtzoukou’s disturbing history. She has also been accused of attempting to suffocate her ex-partner in 2021, an incident that she has denied.

Mourtzoukou became a familiar figure on Greek talk shows in the preceding months, often engaging in heated debates with journalists and forensic experts. Prominent pathologist Dr. Grigoris Leon pointed to medical consensus that the children died from oxygen deprivation, which is consistent with suffocation. In response, Mourtzoukou dismissed the pathologists’ findings, claiming they were labeling her actions without proper evidence.

The case has reignited discussions about the mental health of parents in similar situations. Some psychiatrists have suggested that Mourtzoukou may exhibit symptoms of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a condition where a caregiver exaggerates or induces illness in those under their care to gain attention or sympathy.

As the public grapples with the implications of Mourtzoukou’s actions, her lawyer, Nikos Alexandris, stated that she is not solely responsible for the tragedies that unfolded, hinting at broader systemic issues within child protection services. He emphasized that the forensic reports have not yet been fully incorporated into the legal proceedings, indicating ongoing complexities in the case.

In a chilling reflection of public sentiment, as Mourtzoukou was taken to prison, bystanders expressed their outrage, with one woman reportedly shouting, “die in there.” This demonstrates the strong emotions tied to a case that has captivated and horrified the nation.

Mourtzoukou’s situation is reminiscent of another high-profile case in Greece involving Roula Pispirigou, who was sentenced to life in prison in May 2023 for the murder of her three daughters. Both cases highlight significant gaps in the oversight and intervention mechanisms of the child welfare system in Greece.

As the investigation continues, the tragic deaths associated with Irene Mourtzoukou raise urgent questions about mental health support, child protection, and the responsibilities of caregivers. Her request to be placed in a psychiatric facility rather than prison underscores the complexities of her mental state and the need for comprehensive support systems for individuals facing similar challenges.