Elivs Palla, 34, from Greece, was found dead at a property in Edinburgh last month.
Elvis Palla
The grieving family of a man who was allegedly murdered in Edinburgh is fundraising to fly his body home to Greece.
Elvis Palla, 34, was found dead at a property on the capital’s Watson Crescent in Gorgie on Saturday, December 13. Police earlier confirmed they were treating his death as murder.
Christos Nikiforidis, also 34, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court last month charged in connection. Nikiforidis made no plea and was remanded in custody for consideration of bail.
Following the tragedy, Elvis’ family has since raised over £11,000 to fly his body back to southeastern Europe. His family told how he was due to return home to Greece on the day of his death having already bought journey tickets.
Police at Watson Crescent in Edinburgh.(Image: Edinburgh Live)
A statement from his family on a GoFundMe reads: “With deep sorrow, we share the tragic loss of our cousin, Elvis Palla.
“Elvis was the only child of his parents, their pride, their hope, and the center of their world. He had already booked his ticket to return home on December 13, to be reunited with his family.
“We were waiting for him full of hope and anticipation. Instead, we received the devastating news that no family should ever have to hear.”
His loved ones are raising funds to allow him to be laid to rest in his home country.
The statement continued: “During this incredibly difficult time, our family is facing not only overwhelming emotional pain but also significant financial burdens. We are seeking support to help cover the cost of transporting Elvis’s body back to his homeland, so he can be laid to rest with dignity among his loved ones.
“Legal expenses, to hire a lawyer and pursue justice for Elvis by ensuring this case is properly followed. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference for our family.”
The statement went on: “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, solidarity, and prayers. Elvis deserves justice. His parents deserve peace.”
Images taken from the scene in Edinburgh last month showed multiple police cars parked up on the street while a uniformed officer stood guard inside a property.
Officers remained in the area for some time while investigations took place.
Donate to the fundraiser here.