health
A paramedic in Italy allegedly murdered six elderly people while transporting them in an ambulance
Physical frailty showed a strong association with cognitive decline in centenarians. Photo: iStock
TL;DR
- A 27-year-old paramedic, Luca Spada, is suspected of murdering six elderly patients during ambulance transfers in northern Italy.
- The investigation started after the death of an 85-year-old woman in November last year, and has since expanded to include five other cases.
- Authorities are examining unusual patterns in the deaths of elderly patients attended by Spada, with a focus on whether natural causes were actually induced.
- Intercepted communications reveal Spada expressing disdain for patients and allegedly informing funeral home operators of deaths, suggesting a possible financial motive.
- Spada reportedly admitted during intercepted calls that he "liked" his actions and "wanted to repeat it."
- The suspected method of murder involves injecting air with syringes to cause a gas embolism, though proving this is difficult as air dissipates quickly in the body.
- Investigators are analyzing Spada's financial records and patient medical histories for further evidence.