In a shocking case that has captured the attention of the Italian public, a 17-year-old boy from Viadana has been charged with the murder of 42-year-old Maria Campai. According to details revealed during a recent court hearing, the teenager allegedly suffocated Campai using a wrestling move he had practiced during MMA training sessions. He reportedly applied pressure with his arms around her neck, a technique he may have tried for fun with training partners in the past. The tragic incident unfolded on September 19, after the boy had met Campai through an online dating site.
The young suspect, who is currently in custody, had reportedly researched unarmed killing techniques prior to their meeting. Following the incident, he meticulously executed a plan that had been brewing for days. The judge confirmed his continued detention during a hearing, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges. The boy’s family, originally from Albania, has been described as hardworking, with his mother employed in a perfume company and his father maintaining streetlights.
In a bid to strengthen the prosecution’s case, forensic experts from the Carabinieri’s RIS unit have been scouring the family’s garage for evidence. Initial attempts by the suspect to clean up blood stains and organic material were unsuccessful. While he initially cooperated with investigators, leading them to the site where he buried Campai’s body beneath leaves in the garden of an abandoned villa, he has since revealed additional details that, while not central to the case, could assist in piecing together the full narrative. However, the defense attorney, Paolo Antonini, indicated that a clear motive for the crime remains elusive.
The teenager stated that the violent act lasted only seconds, without hesitation. In the days following the incident, he reportedly maintained his normal routine, displaying no signs of anxiety or guilt. Those close to him, including family and classmates at a vocational school where he studied to become an electrician, noted no unusual behavior that would raise alarm. In fact, he often kept to himself, preferring solitude over social interaction.
Martial arts seemed to be the only outlet for the boy’s emotions, as he dedicated time to honing his physical strength and posting workout videos on social media for validation. His home garage was equipped as a private gym, featuring weights and mirrors, where the fatal encounter with Campai took place. There is no evidence of alcohol or drug use at the time of the incident, indicating that he was fully aware of his actions. As the investigation continues, the community grapples with the tragic outcome of what began as a seemingly innocuous meeting.
