Serbian border guards have seized the mum of the teenage school shooter as she tried to flee the country.
Miljana Kecmanovic and her 10-year-old daughter were stopped at the Prohor Pcinjski border crossing on 24th June before they could enter North Macedonia.
There is an ongoing investigation into Miljana for her alleged role in the Belgrade school shooting on 3rd May.
The shooter, identified as 13-year-old Kosta Kecmanovic, killed nine pupils and a security guard when he opened fire at the Vladislav Ribnikar Model Elementary School.
A further five pupils and a teacher sustained injuries in the attack, which Kosta allegedly carried out with his dad’s two pistols.
The Serbian authorities believe Miljana intended to leave Serbia with her daughter and husband, Vladimir Kecmanovic, to start afresh under new identities.
However, Vladimir is currently in custody and the family’s assets are temporarily frozen by court order.
The Serbian authorities believe the family members are desperate to flee because their photos have been widely published and they are worried about reprisals.
Former intelligence officer Boza Spasic told local media: “She probably thought she would find some peace there for herself and her daughter and avoid prosecution for asset confiscation, but it is evident that it was a hasty move.”
He added: “What is certain is that the police will confiscate Miljana’s travel documents and restrict her movements.”
Kosta, who reportedly learnt to shoot by practising at a range in Belgrade with his dad, is currently in custody at a children’s hospital in the Serbian capital.
A source close to the investigation told local media: “It is evident that he did not plan for this outcome, to be in an institution, because he was under 14 years old and cannot be held accountable according to the law.
“The boy sees himself as a normal person and speaks of himself in that way.
“At the same time, he still shows no remorse for the brutal mass murder or any emotion towards the slain classmates or his own family, whom he also put in a horrifying situation, especially his younger sister, who is innocent.”
Miljana is under investigation to determine whether she abused or neglected Kosta.
The parents of the murdered children have initiated a civil lawsuit against her and Vladimir in a bid for compensation for the grief they have suffered.
They hold the couple responsible for their son’s actions.
