A Cretan man has turned himself in to authorities after fatally shooting his 36-year-old brother-in-law at a sheep shearing festival in Katharo Plateau.
The shooter was purported to be in a state of shock when he surrendered to police. He told officers that he threw the gun away immediately after realising the tragedy but could not recall the exact location.
Initial reports suggest that the man used a double-barreled shotgun in his attack.
The victim, identified as a 36-year-old farmer,, was found dead on the side of the road in Katharo Kritsas, by two women.
He had been assisting relatives with sheep shearing when celebrations at a festival turned tragic after alcohol consumption led to celebratory gunfire.
While initial reports suggested a possible murder due to a nearby dispute between farmers, it appears the shooting was accidental.
The shooter, the victim's brother-in-law, reportedly retrieved the gun from his car to fire celebratory shots when the weapon discharged, fatally wounding the 36-year-old.
The victim was transported to Agios Nikolaos Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. Authorities launched a manhunt for the shooter, who eventually surrendered to the Lasithi Police Department.
Preliminary evidence suggests negligent homicide, but police are conducting an autopsy and are gathering evidence to determine the exact circumstances of the incident.