Voluntary homicide. This is the very serious charge brought against Battista Manis, the 52-year-old businessman from Terralba who appeared in court this morning for the validation hearing.
According to the Oristano Prosecutor's Office, Manis is responsible for Claudio Manca's death. The theory, supported by prosecutor Marco De Crescenzo, is that the businessman hit the 49-year-old with his car, got out, beat him, and then threw him and his bike into the ring road canal, where he was found dead on Friday, September 26.
Before Judge Federica Fulgheri and the prosecutor , Manis exercised his right to remain silent. This defense strategy was implemented by lawyers Antonio Pinna Spada (present in the courtroom) and Ivano Chiesa, pending the release and review of all the investigation documents.
Meanwhile, tomorrow the coroner will be appointed to perform the autopsy, which will be performed immediately afterwards at Brotzu Hospital on Claudio Manca's body.
The family, assisted by attorney Fabio Costa, will appoint an expert witness. Manis' defense will also appoint its own expert.
