A Dark City

Eleni Pachou

• A Dark City • Episode 11

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Eleni Pachou, a young Greek woman who moved to Glasgow for a fresh start, was brutally murdered in DiMaggio's restaurant where she worked as a trainee manager. Her killer, Juan Carlos Suarez Crispin, a former colleague, stabbed her 17 times before stealing £1,300 from the restaurant safe.

• Eleni had moved to Scotland approximately two and a half years before her murder, following her mother's death
• The attack occurred on May 29, 2008, when Crispin met Eleni after work and shared drinks before the brutal assault
• Forensic evidence proved crucial to solving the case, with Crispin's DNA found on Eleni's cheek and rucksack
• Glove impressions at the crime scene contained a mix of Crispin's blood and Eleni's, revealing he had injured himself during the attack
• Crispin was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years
• Marion Hinchelwood, a restaurant cleaner who supplied the murder weapon, was convicted of culpable homicide
• The murder raised important concerns about workplace safety, particularly for employees working late shifts alone
• The case occurred just one day after another high-profile murder in Glasgow, creating heightened concerns about violent crime in the city


Speaker 1:

Welcome to A Dark City, the podcast that delves into the shadowy underbelly of Glasgow, a city with a storied past and a reputation for resilience. Here we uncover the chilling true stories of serious crimes that have left their mark on the city's history, from notorious gangland wars to unsolved mysteries. Join us as we explore the darker side of Glasgow and the people whose lives were city's most chilling crimes. A young woman who had moved from Greece to Scotland in search of a new life, eleni, was brutally killed in the restaurant where she worked. Her murder shocked the local community and led to an intense police investigation that ultimately brought her killer to justice. This essay examines the details of the crime, the investigation and its impact on public safety and crime awareness in Glasgow. Eleni Pachou, a 25-year-old Greek national, had moved to Glasgow approximately two and a half years before her murder. She had come to Scotland following the death of her mother, seeking new opportunities, and a half years before her murder, she had come to Scotland following the death of her mother, seeking new opportunities and a fresh start. Quickly adapting to her new environment, she became well-liked among colleagues and friends. Her dedication to her work at DiMaggio's restaurant in Ruthven Lane earned her a promotion to trainee manager. On the night of May 29, 2008, eleni Pachu was closing up the restaurant when she was attacked by Juan Carlos Suarez Crispin, a former assistant manager at the establishment. Crispin had arranged to meet her after work and the two shared drinks before the attack. Without warning, crispin donned gloves and stabbed Delaney 17 times, inflicting deep wounds to her face, neck and the internal organs. The force of the attack was so severe that the handle of the knife broke off during the assault. Strathclyde Police launched a large-scale investigation, interviewing thousands of people in an effort to track down the perpetrator. Interviewing thousands of people in an effort to track down the perpetrator. The breakthrough came when forensic evidence linked Crispin to the crime scene. His DNA was found on Eleni's body and on a rucksack she was wearing at the time of the attack. Additionally, phone records revealed incriminating communications between Crispin and his co-accused, marion Hinshelwood, a restaurant cleaner who had supplied the murder weapon. During the trial, crispin attempted to shift blame onto Hinshelwood, claiming she had committed the murder. However, forensic evidence and witness testimony dismantled his defence. The jury found Crispin guilty of murder, sentencing him to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years. Hinchelwood, who had pleaded guilty to culpable homicide, was also convicted for her role in the crime.

Speaker 1:

Eleni's murder raised concerns about workplace safety, particularly for employees working late shifts alone. The case prompted discussions about security measures in restaurants and businesses, leading to increased awareness of employee protection. Additionally, the crime reinforced the importance of forensic advancements in solving violent cases, demonstrating how DNA evidence and phone records played a crucial role in securing justice. The murder of Eleni Pachou was a devastating event that shook Glasgow's West End. Her tragic death serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by individuals working late hours and the importance of community vigilance While justice was served. The case continues to be a poignant example of how crime can disrupt lives and shape public discourse on safety and justice.

Speaker 1:

On the morning of the 30th of May 2008, officers arrived at DiMaggio's restaurant in Ruthven Lane after receiving a distress call. Eleni's body was discovered on the kitchen floor, showing signs of a brutal attack. The crime scene was immediately secured and forensic specialists began their examination. Detectives quickly determined that Eleni had been stabbed 17 times, with wounds indicating extreme force. A key piece of evidence was the broken handle of the murder weapon, a kitchen knife purchased from a nearby Woolworths store. Investigators also noted that £1,300 had been stolen from one of the restaurant's safes, suggesting a possible robbery motive. The investigation involved over 100 officers who worked tirelessly to gather information. Detectives spoke to more than 2,000 people, including 1,700 motorists, 80 taxi drivers and 400 pedestrians, hoping to find witnesses who had seen anything suspicious. While no one had directly witnessed the crime, some neighbours reported hearing a piercing scream on the night of the murder.

Speaker 1:

A crucial breakthrough came when forensic experts analysed glove impressions left at the crime scene which contained a mix of Crispin's blood and Eleni's. Additionally, crispin's DNA was found on Eleni's cheek and on the rucksack she was wearing at the time of the attack. These findings provided irrefutable evidence linking him to the crime. Investigators also examined phone records which revealed incriminating communications between Crispin and his co-accused, marion Hinchelwood, a restaurant cleaner who had supplied the murder weapon. Hinchelwood later testified against Crispin, stating that he had planned the attack and attempted to shift blame onto her. During the trial, crispin denied responsibility, claiming Hinchelwood had committed the murder. However, the overwhelming forensic evidence and witness testimony dismantled his defence. The jury found Crispin guilty of murder, sentencing him to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years. Hinchelwood, who had pleaded guilty to culpable homicide, was also convicted for her role in the crime.

Speaker 1:

The investigation into Eleni Pachou's murder showcased the importance of forensic science, witness interviews and meticulous police work in solving violent crimes. Witness interviews and meticulous police work in solving violent crimes. Forensic specialists found Crispin's DNA on Eleni's left cheek and on the strap of the rucksack she was wearing at the time of the attack. This indicated close physical contact between the victim and the perpetrator. Additionally, his DNA was mixed with Eleni's on the restaurant safe, the safe key and the floor, suggesting he had handled these objects during or after the attack. One of the most incriminating pieces of evidence was glove impressions left at the crime scene. These impressions contained a mix of Crispin's blood and Eleni's, proving that he had been injured during the attack.

Speaker 1:

Investigators determined that Crispin, who was left-handed, had accidentally stabbed his own right thumb while attacking Eleni. This mistake ultimately sealed his fate. The knife used in the attack was a four-pound kitchen knife purchased from Woolworths. The force of the stabbing was so intense that the handle broke off during the assault. Forensic experts examined the blade and confirmed that it matched the wounds inflicted on Eleni. Hinchelwood, crispin's accomplice, admitted to purchasing the knife, further linking them to the crime. Investigators also analysed phone records which revealed incriminating communications between Crispin and Hinchelwood before and after the murder. These records helped establish a timeline and demonstrated premeditation. The forensic evidence in this case was overwhelming DNA analysis, glove impressions and phone records all pointed directly to Crispin as the murderer. The meticulous work of forensic experts ensured that justice was served.

Speaker 1:

The murders of Eleni Pachu and Moira Jones, an episode which has already been covered, were linked in public discourse primarily because they occurred within 24 hours of each other in Glasgow, leading to heightened concerns about violent crime in the city. While the two cases were not officially connected by investigators, their proximity in time and location created a sense of unease among residents. Moira Jones was abducted, raped and murdered in Queen's Park on 28th May 2008, just a day before Eleni Pachou was stabbed to death in DiMaggio's restaurant. The brutality of both crimes and the fact that both victims were young women fuelled fears about safety, particularly for women walking alone at night. Police were quick to reassure the public that the cases were separate, with different perpetrators and motives. Moira Jones was killed by Slovakian national, marek Harkar, who had arrived in Glasgow just ten days before the murder. His attack was opportunistic. Marek Harkar, who had arrived in Glasgow just 10 days before the murder. His attack was opportunistic, whereas Eleni's murder was committed by Juan Carlos Suarez Crispin, a former colleague who had planned the crime. Despite the lack of direct connection, the public reaction to these murders led to increased discussions about women's safety, crime prevention and policing strategies in Glasgow. The cases remain significant in the city's crime history, shaping conversations about justice and security.

Speaker 1:

We will now take a closer look at the background and the motive and behaviour of the perpetrator. Juan Carlos Suarez Crispin was the primary suspect in the murder of Eleni Pachou, and his background. Actions and trial reveal a disturbing portrait of a calculated killer. Crispin, a 37-year-old Spanish national, had previously worked at DiMaggio's restaurant in Glasgow's West End, where Eleni was employed. He had left the restaurant shortly before the murder, but maintained contact with Eleni. He was married with two children and lived in the north side of Glasgow. Despite his family life, he was involved in an affair with Marion Hinchelwood, a cleaner at the restaurant, who later became his co-accused.

Speaker 1:

On the night of 29 May 2008, crispin arranged to meet Eleni after work. They shared drinks and, according to his later claims, took cocaine together. However, without warning, he put on gloves and stabbed her 17 times, inflicting deep wounds to her face, neck, spleen, kidney and other internal organs. The force of the attack was so severe that the handle of the knife broke off during the assault. Crispin then stole £1,320 from the restaurant's safe and attempted to open another safe before fleeing the scene. His actions suggested a premeditated attack, as he had deliberately chosen a night when Eleni would be alone while closing up. Crispin was caught due to glove impressions left at the crime scene, which contained his blood mixed with Eleni's. Investigators also found his DNA on Eleni's cheek and on the rucksack she was wearing. Additionally, phone records revealed incriminating communications between Crispin and Hinshelwood before and after the murder.

Speaker 1:

During the trial, crispin denied responsibility, attempting to shift blame onto Hinchelwood. However, forensic evidence and witness testimony dismantled his defence. The jury found him guilty of murder, sentencing him to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years. Hinchelwood, who had pleaded guilty to culpable homicide, was also convicted for her role in the crime. Guilty to culpable homicide was also convicted for her role in the crime. Crispin's actions demonstrated cold-blooded calculation, from selecting a night when Eleni would be alone to attempting to frame his accomplice. His conviction ensured justice for Eleni, but the case remains a chilling example of workplace violence and betrayal.

Speaker 1:

The media coverage of Eleni Pachu's murder was extensive, reflecting the shock and concern it generated in Glasgow. Here's a deeper look at how the case was reported. Initial news reports when Eleni's body was discovered on the 30th of May 2008, news outlets quickly picked up the story, emphasising the brutality of the attack and the mystery surrounding the crime. Reports described how she had been stabbed 17 times in the restaurant where she worked and how police launched a major investigation, speaking to over 2,000 people, in an effort to track down the killer. Trial coverage During the trial in May 2009,.

Speaker 1:

Media outlets followed the proceedings closely. The BBC reported that the murder was described as brutal and savage by prosecutors, highlighting the forensic evidence that linked Juan Carlos Suarez Crispin to the crime. The trial also revealed Crispin's attempt to shift blame onto his co-accused, marion Hinchelwood, which was widely covered in news reports, public reaction and crime discussions. The case was widely discussed in Glasgow, particularly because it occurred just a day after the murder of Moira Jones. This led to heightened concerns about violent crime and women's safety in the city. Newspapers and crime publications explored the societal impact of the murder, questioning workplace security and late-night safety measures. Years later, the case continued to be referenced in crime retrospectives and discussions about Glasgow's criminal history. Publications like the Glasgow Times revisited the story detailing the police investigation and forensic breakthroughs that led to Crispin's conviction. Thank you,