Convicted Murderer Dies After Fall From Milan Cathedral

A man who had been convicted of murder and was allowed to work outside of prison took his own life by leaping from Milan's renowned Duomo cathedral. This tragic incident followed an alleged stabbing of a coworker, according to local media outlets.

Identified as Emanuele De Maria, the 35-year-old Italian plunged from a significant height from the Gothic cathedral, landing in the square below, as reported by multiple sources.

Incident at Milan's Landmark

The Duomo is one of Milan’s iconic sites, typically bustling with crowds. Despite the tragic event, there were no reported injuries among those nearby.

Authorities cordoned off part of the cathedral's perimeter following the incident, as depicted in television broadcasts.

Authorities confirmed De Maria's identity through his identification documents and tattoos, as covered by various news agencies.

Eyewitness Accounts

One witness, bar owner Emanuele Sanità, described the locations, noting that De Maria tragically landed next to a child holding a toy. The child was visibly shaken, unable to speak for approximately twenty minutes.

Background and Circumstances

De Maria was serving a 14-year prison term for the murder of a woman in 2016. His capture occurred in Germany in 2018, following a period as a fugitive in the Netherlands.

For nearly two years, he was allowed to work part-time at a hotel close to Milan’s central railway station.

The police were actively searching for him after a stabbing incident involving a coworker, a 50-year-old Italian-Egyptian. The victim’s condition was reported to be improving after undergoing emergency surgical procedures.