Italian man accused of killing cousin with cream-filled doughnut over €300,000 inheritance

A man who was supposed to be looking after his own cousin is accused of doing something that cost him his life. Italian investigators believe the 76-year-old deliberately gave his 74-year-old relative a cream-filled doughnut, knowing he was unable to swallow solid food.

The victim was living in a care home in Reggio Emilia, northern Italy, where his diet was strictly controlled because of severe dysphagia. His cousin had been appointed his legal guardian in 2009 and was familiar with the restrictions on what he could eat. The 76-year-old is now under house arrest, suspected of premeditated murder. Prosecutors believe the pastry was deliberately given to the resident and that his death may have been linked to an inheritance worth more than €300,000.

A visit that ended in tragedy

According to investigators, the cousin arrived at the care home with cream-filled pastries, known in Italy as bomboloni. He is alleged to have brought them in without the knowledge of staff and left them where his relative could reach them. The suspect then reportedly went to reception to show staff the packaging for an electric razor he said he had bought for the resident. Investigators believe this gave his cousin an opportunity to eat the pastry without staff noticing.

The 74-year-old began choking. Rather than immediately telling care workers that he had eaten a doughnut, the suspect allegedly went to a vending machine to buy a fizzy drink and tried to get his cousin to drink it. He eventually called nurses over, saying that the man was unwell. Staff noticed crumbs and food residue on the resident’s clothing and discovered that he had eaten a solid pastry, despite his prescribed diet. Care home staff tried to clear his airway and emergency services were called. The obstruction was complete, however, and the man died.

His cousin was responsible for his care

The victim’s swallowing problems were severe and progressive. His medical plan allowed only food that had been blended or prepared in liquid form, because solid food could cause him to choke. Investigators say the suspect knew about the danger. As the man’s legal guardian, he had been involved in his care for years.

Reports from the investigation also suggest that he had previously tried to bring sweets and pastries into the facility, despite the restrictions. The authorities are examining whether the doughnut was part of a deliberate attempt to cause his cousin’s death. The alleged failure to alert staff promptly after the choking began is also central to the case.

Investigators examine a possible inheritance motive

The financial circumstances of the victim have become another important part of the inquiry. He reportedly owned assets worth more than €300,000, and his cousin was among the people entitled to inherit from him. Prosecutors suspect that the prospect of receiving that money may have provided a motive.

They are also investigating allegations that the 76-year-old tried to influence relatives’ accounts of events and agree on what they would tell investigators. The case has involved medical records, witness statements, forensic evidence and technical investigations. These are being used to establish what happened during the visit, what the suspect knew about the resident’s condition and whether the death was planned. The care home’s records and staff accounts are also being compared with the suspect’s version of events.

Murder investigation continues

The 76-year-old has been placed under house arrest while the investigation continues. He faces allegations of premeditated murder, with aggravating circumstances linked to his position as legal guardian and the victim’s disability and inability to protect himself. The arrest does not amount to a conviction. 

Prosecutors will still have to establish that the suspect deliberately gave his cousin the pastry, that he intended to cause his death and that inheritance was the motive. The 74-year-old died on June 27. Four months later, the investigation is focused on the actions of the relative who had been entrusted with his care.