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19-Year-Old Held in Modena Cycle Path Assault as Court Hearing Nears

Investigators say the student was identified through an identikit, cell data, fingerprint matches and recovered parts of the victim’s e‑bike.

Overview

  • The suspect, an Italian citizen of Moroccan origin from Castelfranco Emilia, was arrested on a court-ordered custodial detention on accusations of aggravated sexual violence, aggravated robbery and aggravated bodily harm.
  • Police say fingerprints on the victim’s phone and glasses matched the suspect, and a home search recovered clothing and the e‑bike’s fork, with the frame later found in a canal and recognized by the victim.
  • Cell-tower analysis placed the suspect at the site on August 19 and indicated he returned there several times, which investigators say strengthened the case in an area without CCTV.
  • The victim, 51, provided a detailed description that enabled an identikit, and municipal authorities publicly acknowledged the arrest while expressing support for her.
  • The suspect’s interrogatorio di garanzia is scheduled for Tuesday, and police are assessing a separate report of an attempted assault in May at the same location that has not yet resulted in a formal complaint.