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Farmer accused of killing, raping American scientist claims he was possessed by demons: Reports
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A Greek farmer on trial for the murder and rape of a renowned American scientist allegedly told a police officer that demons possessed him and took over his body.

As CrimeOnline previously reported, 59-year-old molecular biologist Suzanne Eaton disappeared on July 2, 2019, after leaving the Orthodox Academy of Crete for a run before a 6:00 p.m. meeting. A large search effort subsequently took place in the rural areas near Chania.

Fire Service rescuers from Athens were assisted by members of the scientist’s family who flew to the island to help coordinate efforts. Eaton was eventually found six days later, deceased inside a World War II bunker.

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It’s believed that after a prolonged struggle, the scientist died, and the suspect dropped her into a ventilation hole that leads down into the cave. The location was described as having a narrow opening that’s difficult to spot. It’s likely only known by those familiar with the area.

ABC 13 reports that a 28-year-old male suspect is on trial in Greece for allegedly raping and murdering Eaton.

According to Mail Online, the suspect has been identified as Yiannis Paraskakis, a married father of two children and the son of a priest.

During court on Tuesday, a police officer who questioned the suspect shortly after the murder said that Paraskakis confessed within hours.

“He said he was possessed by demons,” the officer said.

This undated handout photo provided by the Greek Police and released on Thursday, July 18 2019 shows 27-year-old Yiannis Paraskakis, accused of the brutal killing of American Suzanne Eaton. Greek authorities say they have identified a suspect accused of the brutal killing and rape of American scientist Suzanne Eaton. Paraskakis has been charged with the rape and murder of Eaton, 59, who disappeared on July 2 while attending a conference near Chania and whose body was found six days later in an abandoned underground storage site used during World War II. (Greek Police via AP)

Lawyer Vasso Pantanzi reportedly told the court that Eaton was a “world-class biologist” who would have been irreplaceable in helping with current viruses.

“In terms of virus contagiousness and vaccines, you can understand how useful she would have been today.”

Paraskakis is facing charges of rape, manslaughter, and possession of illegal weapons. Investigators alleged that he ran over Eaton twice when he noticed her jogging, then got out of his car and stabbed and hit her.

Yiannis Paraskakis, bottom right, who accused of the brutal killing of American biologist Suzanne Eaton in 2019, wearing a bulletproof vest that reads “Greek Police”, sits in the court room on the first day of the trial in Rethymno, on the Greek island of Crete, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020. Paraskakis has been charged with the rape and murder of Eaton, 59, who disappeared on July 2, 2019, while attending a conference near Chania and whose body was found six days later in an abandoned underground storage site used during World War II. (AP Photo/Giannis Angelakis)

Afterward, Paraskakis allegedly put the victim in his car trunk and drove to the bunker where he beat, raped, and killed her. DNA found under Eaton’s fingernails matched the suspect, investigators said.

An autopsy report indicated that Eaton had numerous injuries, including facial fractures, hand injuries, and rib fractures.

Check back for updates.

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[Feature Photo: Suzanne Eaton/Handout]