Italian Teen Admits to Stabbing Younger Brother and Parents; Prosecutors Unable to Determine Motive

MILAN—A 17-year-old high school student, who admitted to fatally stabbing his 12-year-old brother and parents, was experiencing a general sense of unease, according to Italian prosecutors on Monday. The triple homicide, which has shocked Italy, does not have a clear motive as the suspect has been unable to provide one.

Due to his age, the minor’s identity has not been released, and he is being detained on suspicion of murder with aggravating circumstances, including premeditation.

The tragic event occurred at around 2 a.m. on Sunday in a Milan suburb following a family gathering to celebrate the father’s 51st birthday.

Prosecutors stated that the teenager took a knife from the kitchen, entered the room he shared with his younger brother, and stabbed him first. When his mother came to check on the situation, he also attacked her, followed by his father who was trying to help the younger son.

All three victims suffered multiple stab wounds to the throat and neck, as confirmed by Sabrina Ditaranto, a prosecutor specializing in youth offenders.

The suspect initially contacted the police claiming that he had acted in self-defense against his father, accusing him of killing the mother and brother. However, he later confessed to all three murders.

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“We do not have a motive from a legal standpoint,” Ditaranto stated during a press conference.

She added, “He is unable to provide a logical and cohesive explanation for the events,” noting that he mentioned a general feeling of unease that was personal to him and not connected to any family issues.

The tragic incident has sparked discussions about the isolation experienced by young people, particularly following the pandemic and in an age dominated by social media. Despite analyzing the suspect’s social media activity and music preferences, investigators have not been able to paint a clear picture beyond his sense of isolation.

This tragedy follows another random stabbing that resulted in the death of a 33-year-old woman in the vicinity of Bergamo on July 30. Prosecutors recently confirmed the arrest of Moussa Sangare, a 30-year-old former aspiring singer, nearly a month after the murder. Sangare informed authorities that he randomly selected his victim.