Three people were killed, one was injured, and another wounded in a tragic incident in Gjilan on August 10, 2025. The suspects in the triple murder are Mefail Shkodra and his two sons, Edonis and Engjull Shkodra. Another suspect was arrested at the scene, and Gjilan Police and Prosecutor’s Office are investigating whether he is connected to the case that shocked not only Gjilan but the whole region.
During a press conference held on August 10, 2025, the Police and Prosecutor’s Office of Gjilan announced that Mefail Shkodra is suspected of multiple serious crimes. Despite this, the justice system faced criticism because Shkodra was at liberty despite being suspected of serious offenses.
According to reports, Mefail Shkodra was released from pretrial detention by the Prishtina Basic Court after being arrested for usury and coercion.
KALLXO.com inquired with the Special Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Kosovo (PSRK) regarding claims that Bujar Hoxha, injured in the incident, had filed a criminal complaint against Shkodra with the Special Prosecutor’s Office.
In response, the PSRK confirmed it is investigating two separate cases involving Mefail Shkodra.
“On April 25, 2025, PSRK was notified by Kosovo Police about a criminal complaint filed by B.H. against the suspect M.Sh. Immediately after receiving this information, the Prosecutor’s Office initiated investigative actions on the same day and authorized police investigators to undertake necessary legal measures,” the statement reads.
PSRK stated that in this case, no request for pretrial detention was made because in the initial phase, further investigative actions were needed to verify claims and clarify the full circumstances.
“According to the law, pretrial detention can only be requested and imposed when sufficient evidence exists and legal conditions stipulated in the Criminal Procedure Code are met,” the office added.
Furthermore, based on police reports, after concluding the operational plan, inspecting the suspects’ properties, and interviewing both suspects and the complainant, no information or evidence was found indicating threats against the complainant or his family by the suspects.
Regarding the earlier case, PSRK clarified that Mefail Shkodra and one of his sons were in pretrial detention for four months for several criminal offenses, including usury and coercion.
“Following defense lawyers’ proposal to replace detention with a bail bond at the Basic Court in Prishtina, the court forwarded the proposal for prosecutorial evaluation. After reviewing the request, PSRK proposed changing the security measure, and the court ruled to replace detention, as it was assessed that legal grounds for continued detention no longer existed,” the Special Prosecutor’s Office emphasized.
KALLXO.com reported that PSRK had proposed that, in exchange for Shkodra’s release, he should post a bail of 50,000 euros. The Prishtina Court approved this request but also required suspects to mortgage a cadastral unit containing two buildings valued at 354,000 euros.
At the same time, PSRK reported having seized nine immovable properties in connection with the investigation and interviewed all persons involved.
“We emphasize that the case is still under investigation and evidence is being secured through international legal cooperation,” PSRK concluded.
