Carabinieri police in Desio,
near Monza, on Thursday arrested Mattia Del Zotto, 27, the
grandson-nephew of three elderly people who recently died of
thallium poisoning.
Five other people are in hospital receiving treatment for
thallium poisoning.
"We proceeded with the arrest in order to avert other
victims," police said.
The victims were the arrested man's grandparents, Battista
Del Zotto, 94, and Maria Gioia Pittana 88; and his aunt,
Patrizia Del Zotto, 62.
The suspect is accused of homicide and attempted homicide.
Del Zotto was arrested after police found five packages of
thallium sulfate, totaling 60 grams, in his home in Nova
Milanese.
Police also found receipts for the purchase of the substance,
showing it was bought in Padua, as well as conversations on Del
Zotto's cell phone in which he makes reference to the purchase.
"I did it to punish impure people and I don't want to
cooperate," Del Zotto told police at the time of his arrest.
In a press conference, Monza public prosecutor Luisa Zanetti
defined Del Zotto as "an introverted person".
"You'll never know why I did it," Del Zotto reportedly told
police.
"I don't have to collaborate with this institution or other
institutions of this State".
He was described as being "unshaven and with a cold gaze" as
he spoke to police.
"I don't need other people talking in my place. Choose
whoever you like form the phone book".
His mother said "Mattia is following a sect.
"Lately my son told us he is no longer a Catholic and is
following a religion he didn't describe to us. My assumption is
that it's a kind of sect.
"This new lifestyle is inspired in his words, if my memory
doesn't fail me, by a group called 'Second Vatican Council'."
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
