Italian man suspected of fatally feeding disabled cousin a doughnut for inheritance
A 76-year-old man in Reggio Emilia, Italy, has been placed under house arrest on suspicion of killing his 74-year-old disabled cousin, whom he was legally responsible for caring for. Prosecutors allege he gave his cousin a doughnut despite knowing the man could not swallow solid food, then delayed telling care staff what had happened.
The cousin died on 27 June after choking and suffering cardiac arrest at his care home. Investigators say the suspect did not initially alert staff, and nurses later found crumbs on the victim’s clothing; the alleged motive was an inheritance worth more than £250,000. The charges include premeditation and abuse of his duties as legal guardian, and the suspect is also accused of trying to influence family members’ statements.
In short
- Italian man is under house arrest over his cousin’s choking death.
- Prosecutors allege he knowingly gave him a doughnut.
- The cousin’s estate was worth more than £250,000.
Explained simply
In Italy, a legal guardian is responsible for making certain decisions and protecting the interests of someone who cannot manage them alone. Here, prosecutors say the older man held that role for his disabled cousin, who lived in a care home and could not swallow solid food.
The case centres on the cousin’s death after choking and suffering a cardiac arrest. Investigators allege the guardian gave him a doughnut and did not promptly tell care staff what had happened; these claims have not been established in court.
The alleged inheritance provides a possible financial motive, while the case also raises questions about the responsibilities of guardians and the safety of people who depend on others for care. The suspect is accused of serious offences, and the allegations remain for the courts to assess.
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Daily Mail as “Death by doughnut: Man ‘kills cousin for inheritance by feeding him cream dessert he knew was lethal for him’”.