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Inmate Weighing 265 Kilograms Dies in Turin Prison as Family Questions Care

The case exposes gaps in Italy’s ability to house prisoners with severe medical needs.

Overview

  • Paramedics from the 118 service attempted resuscitation at Turin’s Lorusso e Cutugno prison, but Francesco De Leo, 51, died at the scene.
  • The fraud convict, reportedly about 265 kilograms and diabetic, had been moved in early October from Genoa’s Marassi facility after the prison administration ordered a transfer.
  • Before the move, he spent months under guard at Cuneo’s Santa Croce hospital because no suitable cell was available, drawing OSAPP complaints about diverting ten officers a day.
  • In Turin, an adapted space was prepared to meet his needs, requiring two cells to fit a bariatric bed that had just arrived, according to Il Messaggero.
  • His brother alleges he lacked adequate medical assistance and is weighing a complaint, and his lawyer cites structural failings in the system and does not rule out a civil action.