A convicted double murderer shocked a packed courtroom by shouting "I regret nothing" as he was handed a life sentence for the brutal killings of a mother and daughter in their Sussex home.
Koci Selamaj, 42, showed no remorse as he was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court for the murders of 61-year-old Christine Harnos and her 31-year-old daughter Zsuzsanna Harnos in Eastbourne.
The Chilling Courtroom Outburst
As Mr Justice Nicholas Hilliard delivered the sentence, Selamaj suddenly stood up and declared: "I regret nothing. I would do it again." The shocking statement left courtroom observers stunned and prompted immediate removal of the defendant from the dock.
The judge condemned Selamaj's actions as "savage and merciless," sentencing him to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 40 years before parole consideration.
A Brutal Attack
The court heard how Selamaj had travelled from his London home to Eastbourne specifically to carry out the violent attack on September 13, 2021. Armed with a weapon, he broke into the women's home and subjected them to a sustained and brutal assault.
Emergency services discovered the horrific scene after being alerted to the property. Both women were pronounced dead at the location, having suffered catastrophic injuries during the frenzied attack.
Investigation and Arrest
Detective Chief Inspector Emma Vickers of Sussex Police described the investigation as "complex and harrowing." She praised the courage of the victims' family members who had to endure the traumatic details emerging during the trial.
"This was a premeditated and vicious attack on two defenseless women in their own home," DCI Vickers stated. "The defendant's actions have devastated a family and shocked the entire community."
Selamaj was arrested shortly after the murders following an extensive police manhunt. Forensic evidence and witness testimony placed him at the scene, leading to his eventual conviction.
Community in Mourning
The close-knit Eastbourne community has been left reeling by the brutal nature of the crimes. Neighbours described Christine and Zsuzsanna as "kind and caring" members of the community who were well-liked by all who knew them.
Family members expressed relief that justice had been served but acknowledged that no sentence could truly compensate for their devastating loss.
