Albanian authorities have launched a manhunt for three suspects following a deadly shooting in northern Albania, where a long-running family conflict is believed to have culminated in a double killing on April 26, 2026.
Police say Renato Mhillaj, now in his early 20s, is suspected of organizing the attack alongside his cousins Adriano Mhillaj (22) and Florin Mhillaj (36). The three men have been declared wanted in connection with the killing of Kreshnik Mujeci and his wife Gentjana Mujeci in Balldren, Lezhë.
Investigators believe the attack is an act of revenge tied to a prolonged legal and family dispute dating back to 2016, when Renato’s father, Genc Mhillaj, was shot dead. At the time, Kreshnik Mujeci and his cousin Jozef Mujeci were accused of involvement. However, both were acquitted by the Shkoder First Instance Court in November 2018, a decision later upheld by the Albanian Court of Appeal in 2019. The case remained unresolved after the Albanian Supreme Court ordered a retrial in October 2024.
The latest incident occurred around 14:50 on the Balldren–Torovicë road. According to police findings, the attackers used two vehicles—a Audi A4 for surveillance and pursuit, and a Volkswagen without license plates to block the victims’ car before opening fire. Authorities recovered approximately 30 shell casings at the scene, indicating a highly coordinated and targeted assault.
Law enforcement officials have confirmed that the primary investigative lead remains revenge, while efforts continue to locate and apprehend the three suspects. The case has once again drawn attention to unresolved legal disputes and cycles of retaliatory violence in the region.