Stefano Argentino, the 27-year-old detained on charges of killing Sara Campanella on March 31st after months of stalking, committed suicide in Messina prison. The young man had been under close surveillance, which was lifted 15 days ago, because from the first days of his detention he had expressed suicidal thoughts. After discussions with psychologists and therapists, his condition improved. He had even resumed eating after a period of refusal, and he returned to a regular prison regime in a cell with other inmates.
The Messina Public Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation into the incident.
For the Argentino family's lawyer, Stefano's death is "the sad, dramatic epilogue of a story whose ending was already understood: Sara was killed, Stefano took his own life, and the sole responsibility lies with the State." "I had requested a psychiatric evaluation," the lawyer revealed, "because I understood Stefano and his problems... I had acted as a spokesperson for them outside prison, and the investigating judge denied it. He could have saved at least one of the two lives, but instead the State will have to feel responsible for this crime ." "The terrible epilogue of a terrible story," comments lawyer Concetta La Torre, who represents Sara Campanella's mother, "he decided the fate of two families. It's a very painful blow for us. We can only be saddened at this moment. There are no words to describe the feelings that Sara's family is experiencing."
Sara Campanella, a 22-year-old university student, was stabbed to death on Viale Gazzi in Messina after leaving classes at the Policlinico Hospital. The weapon was not found. Argentino then fled to his home in Noto, where he was apprehended by the Carabinieri. The first hearing of the trial was scheduled for September 10th before the Messina Assize Court. On June 12th, Prosecutor Antonio D'Amato requested an immediate trial for Argentino, who had confessed to the crime, also charging him with the aggravating circumstances of premeditation and cruelty.
(Unioneonline)