Gold Coast shooting: Christos Panagakos has manslaughter charges against him dropped

A bodybuilder previously accused of killing his ex-girlfriend has had the charges against him dropped.

Christos Panagakos, now 30, was accused of killing Ivona Jovanovic, 27,  in his home at Highland Park on the Gold Coast in September, 2019 and charged with her death in January, 2021. 

Ms Jovanovic died after being shot in the stomach.  

Mr Panagakos had always maintained his innocence.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has now confirmed they will not be proceeding with the case.

‘The ODPP can confirm that an indictment will not be presented against Christos Panagakos in relation to the death of Ivona Jovanovic,’ a spokesman said.

‘After a careful consideration of the admissible evidence presented at the committal proceeding, it was determined that the Crown did not have a reasonable prospect of obtaining a conviction for that offence.’

Mr Panagakos’ defence lawyer  Michael Gatenby gave a statement on his behalf on Thursday

‘Christos is pleased that the DPP have accepted our position that there was no reasonable prospects of success,’ he said, according to the Gold Cost Bulletin.

Ivona Jovanovic died after she was shot in the stomach at a Gold Coast home in September, 2019

Annette Jovanovic (pictured left with her sister Ivona) has said she is searching for answers 

‘He was in a long-term relationship with the deceased and hopes to be able to grieve for her loss now that the serious allegations have been discontinued.’

Panagakos was arrested by detectives at Woodford Correctional Centre in January, 2021, following an extensive investigation into Ms Jovanovic’s death. 

He was taken to Brisbane Watchhouse, where he charged with one count of manslaughter and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm.

He had been serving time at Woodford Prison on unrelated charges.

Panagakos was arrested by detectives at Woodford Correctional Centre in January, 2021, following an extensive investigation into Ms Jovanovic’s (pictured) death 

Christos Panagakos (pictured) has had all charges against him dropped

Police alleged at the time the four friends Ms Jovanovic was with when she was shot fled the scene before emergency services arrived. 

‘I’m sure if one of them had been injured in that manner they would expect as much assistance as everyone there,’ Detective Superintendent Brendan Smith said at the time.

‘Whilst they called the ambulance, there’s a lot of first-aid that could have been rendered at the time that may or may not have made a difference – we’ll never know.’

Panagakos was previously arrested on the night of her death but released without charge. 

 Ivona Jovanovic (pictured) was getting ready for a night out when she was shot in the chest. She died in hospital a short time later

Ms Jovanovic’s grieving sister Annette has previously opened up about the anguish of not knowing what happened to her older sister seven months ago.

‘Why every time when I attempt to go to bed my mind begins to race and I’m wide awake still trying to figure out what happened to my sister,’ she posted on Facebook in June 2020.

‘What makes it so much harder is knowing there are four people who know the truth and exactly what happened but yet they can’t speak up and give my family any closure.

‘Ivona’s life was taken and her family’s lives are being destroyed each day and each night.’