Young man accused of killing student friend found dead in prison

Stefano Argentino, 27 years old, who was being held in pre-trial detention on charges of murdering his classmate, Sara Campanella, was found dead on Wednesday in his cell at the Messina prison.

The young man is suspected to have taken his own life by hanging, after being separated from the two inmates with whom he had been sharing the cell.

According to the Carabinieri, the incident occurred around 5:00 PM, when prison officers found Argentino unconscious. Despite immediate efforts to revive him, he died a few minutes later.

Argentino had been in custody since the end of March, after confessing to the crime that had shocked the public.

Authorities stated that he had shown severe signs of depression and suicidal thoughts from the first days of his detention, which led to his placement under special supervision.

However, following evaluations by prison psychologists and therapists, this measure was lifted 15 days ago, after his condition was considered stable.

Argentino’s lawyer described the case as "the drama of a foretold tragedy."

“I had requested a psychiatric evaluation for Stefano because I was aware of his condition and the problems he faced. But the court refused. At least one life could have been saved. Now the state must take responsibility for this painful end,” the lawyer said.

On the other side, lawyer Concetta La Torre, representing the mother of the victim, Sara Campanella, stated that the incident has reopened fresh wounds for both families.

“This is a terrible end to a terrible story. He decided the fate of two families. Sara’s family is going through indescribable pain,” she said.

Sara Campanella, 22, a student, was fatally stabbed on March 31 on Viale Gazzi, near the Policlinico Hospital in Messina, shortly after classes had ended.

According to authorities, the murder weapon, a knife has still not been found. After the incident, Argentino fled to his hometown of Noto, where he was arrested a few hours later by the Carabinieri.

The Messina Prosecutor’s Office had requested an immediate trial for the accused, who was scheduled to appear at his first court hearing on September 10, where he would face charges of premeditated murder and acts of cruelty.

The Messina Public Prosecutor’s Office has now launched an investigation into the circumstances of Argentino’s death, to determine whether there was any negligence in his supervision.

“KORÇA BOOM”