Italian Man Arrested for Murdering Cousin With Forbidden Pastries

An Italian man has been placed under house arrest on suspicion of murdering his 74-year-old cousin by feeding him cream-filled pastries despite severe medical restrictions. Investigators suspect the 76-year-old suspect aimed to secure a 300,000 euro inheritance.

The incident took place on June 27 at a nursing home in the Reggio Emilia area of northern Italy. The victim suffered from severe dysphagia, a condition causing significant swallowing difficulties, and was strictly limited to a liquid or pureed diet due to the high risk of choking.

According to prosecutors, the suspect, who also served as the victim's legal guardian, brought cream-filled pastries known as bomboloni into the facility undetected. Investigators believe he deliberately left the sweets within reach, knowing his cousin's fondness for sweet foods, and may have distracted the staff to bypass safety protocols.

The victim consumed one of the pastries and suffered severe respiratory distress, leading to cardiac arrest. First responders attempted resuscitation, but he was pronounced dead after his airways became completely blocked. Medical examiners confirmed the obstruction caused the fatality.

Nursing staff raised the initial alarm after noticing pastry crumbs on the deceased's clothing, prompting a police investigation. Prosecutors are also examining whether the suspect delayed calling for emergency assistance and whether previous visits involved similar attempts to bypass dietary restrictions.