Influencer Was Killed — Gun Discharged When Ex-Boyfriend Tripped, Inquest Finds 

In a tragic incident that shook the online community, Australian influencer Ivona Jovanovic lost her life in 2019 due to a gunshot wound at her ex-boyfriend Christos Panagakos’ residence. The recent inquest six years later revealed that the gun was accidentally discharged when Panagakos tripped, leading to Jovanovic’s death. The coroner ruled the incident as accidental, highlighting the absence of criminal intent or negligence in the case.

Jovanovic, aged 27 at the time of her passing, was preparing to leave for dinner with Panagakos and some friends when the fatal shooting occurred on September 8, 2019. When law enforcement officials arrived at the scene, Panagakos had absconded along with the firearm involved. Despite an extensive search, the gun was never recovered, and Panagakos later disclosed to the police that he left to avoid blame for the mishap.

Michelle Panagakos, the defendant’s mother, informed the authorities that she heard loud noises preceding the discovery of Jovanovic’s body near a staircase in the kitchen. A dubious account suggesting that the victim had brought the firearm to the residence herself contradicted Panagakos’ defence. Coroner Donald MacKenzie unequivocally refuted this assertion during the inquiry, deeming it absurd.

The investigation unearthed conflicting testimonies from witnesses present during the incident. Daine Walker, one of Panagakos’ associates, recalled the defendant expressing that he had stumbled, resulting in the accidental discharge of the weapon. Walker’s statement was corroborated by the presence of a gun at the top of the stairs. However, inconsistencies arose as Walker later claimed he could not recollect providing the initial testimony due to substance influence.

Notably, Panagakos faced manslaughter charges in 2021, which were subsequently dismissed. Despite acknowledging his responsibility for Jovanovic’s untimely demise, the coroner concluded that the incident was predominantly accidental and fell short of meeting the criteria for involuntary manslaughter prosecution under the Criminal Code. MacKenzie expressed regret over the lack of conclusive evidence in the case, emphasising the potential for the inquest’s reopening if new facts emerge.

The troubling circumstances surrounding Ivona Jovanovic’s tragic death have left lingering questions and unresolved grief for her loved ones. The prospect of justice remains uncertain, underscoring the complexity of the legal implications associated with the case. The influencer community mourns the loss of one of their own, serving as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the need for accountability in preventing such mishaps. As the investigation progresses, the quest for closure and clarity persists, offering solace to those affected by this harrowing event.