A young footballer is alleged to have assaulted his own mother, leaving her in a coma, before plunging himself into the sea. Riccardo Merkuri and Albana Kastriot were dining at home on Friday, 20th February – Riccardo’s 20th birthday – whilst his father, Mario Merkuri, and older sibling were out. It is thought that an argument broke out between Riccardo and Albana, 53, during the meal.
Neighbours reportedly heard raised voices and promptly alerted the police. Upon arrival, officers discovered Albana unconscious in the bathroom, surrounded by blood. Riccardo had already left the scene in Pollenza, Italy, seemingly in shock and potentially under the impression he had murdered his mother. Leaving his mobile behind, he drove to Civitanova Marche, strolled to the edge of the dock, and leapt into the freezing water. CCTV footage allegedly shows him climbing back out, removing his jacket, and diving in a second time.
On Sunday, 22nd February, after 38 hours of searching, divers retrieved Riccardo’s body. A forensic doctor determined hypothermia and drowning as the cause of death. Samples of biological fluids were collected on Monday (23rd February) to test for drugs in his system, although he was not known to be a user.
Albana remains in a medically induced coma in Macerata, suffering from a broken jaw and additional facial injuries. Her condition is grave but not life-threatening. She may undergo facial surgery this week.
Riccardo was a footballer for local team ASD Montemilone Pollenza, who play in Italian regional amateur leagues. He had recently secured employment as a labourer.
His Albanian parents have resided in Pollenza since the 1990s. His mother operates a beauty salon and his father runs a small construction firm.
At the time of writing, Montemilone had not released a statement regarding the tragedy. His father told local press: « I’d rather not say anything. »
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