Major twist in the case of bodybuilder accused of shooting his glamorous blonde ex-girlfriend while she was getting ready for a night out
- Christos Panagakos charged with murder of Ivona Jovanovic
- Ms. Jovanovic died in 2019 from a gunshot wound
- Mr Panagakos was charged with manslaughter in 2021
- ODPP will not proceed with the case
A bodybuilder who was previously accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend has dropped charges against him.
Christos Panagakos, now 30, was accused of killing 27-year-old Ivona Jovanovic at his home in Highland Park on the Gold Coast in September 2019 and charged with her death in January 2021.
Ms. Jovanovic died after being shot in the stomach.
Mr. Panagakos had always maintained his innocence.
The prosecutor’s office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has now confirmed that they will not pursue the case.
Christos Panagakos (pictured), now 30, was charged with the murder of Ivona Jovanovic, 27, at his home in September 2019 and charged with her death in January 2021
“The ODPP can confirm that no charges will be brought against Christos Panagakos in connection with the death of Ivona Jovanovic,” a spokesman said.
“After careful consideration of the admissible evidence presented during the sentencing proceedings, it was determined that the Crown had no reasonable prospect of a conviction for that crime.”
Mr Panagakos’ lawyer, Michael Gatenby, issued a statement on his behalf on Thursday
“Christos is pleased that the DPP accepted our position that there was no reasonable chance of success,” he said, according to the Gold Cost Bulletin.
Ivona Jovanovic died after being shot in the stomach in a Gold Coast home in September 2019
Annette Jovanovic (pictured left with her sister Ivona) has said she is looking for answers
“He had a long-term relationship with the deceased and hopes to grieve her loss now that the serious allegations have ended.”
Panagakos was arrested in January 2021 by Woodford Correctional Center detectives, following an extensive investigation into Ms. Jovanovic’s death.
He was taken to Brisbane Watchhouse where he was charged with manslaughter and unlawful possession of a firearm.
He had served time in Woodford Prison on unrelated charges.
Panagakos was arrested by detectives at Woodford Correctional Center in January 2021, following an extensive investigation into the death of Ms Jovanovic (pictured).
All charges against Christos Panagakos (pictured) have been dropped
Police claimed that at the time, the four friends Ms Jovanovic was with when she was shot fled the scene before emergency services arrived.
“I’m sure if one of them was hurt like that, they’d expect as much help as anyone there,” Detective Brendan Smith said at the time.
“As they called the ambulance, there’s a lot of first aid that could have been administered at the time that may or may not have made a difference — we’ll never know.”
Panagakos was arrested earlier the night of her death but released without charge.
Ivona Jovanovic (pictured) was getting ready for a night out when she was shot in the chest. She died in hospital a short time later
Ms Jovanovic’s grieving sister, Annette, has previously spoken of the fear of not knowing what happened to her older sister seven months ago.
“Why every time I try to go to bed my mind starts racing and I’m wide awake still trying to figure out what happened to my sister,” she posted on Facebook in June 2020.
“What makes it so much harder is knowing that there are four people who know the truth and know exactly what happened, yet they can’t speak up and give closure to my family.
“Ivona’s life was taken and her family’s lives are destroyed every day and every night.”