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Three Rieti Ultras Detained in Fatal Bus Ambush as A2 Home Games Move Behind Closed Doors

Investigators are building a premeditated ambush case using WhatsApp chats with help from a youth witness.

Overview

  • Police detained Manuel Fortuna, 31, Kevin Pellecchia, 20, and Alessandro Barberini, 53, ultras from Rieti’s Curva Terminillo, on suspicion of the deadly assault.
  • Prosecutors are investigating for voluntary homicide, with the trio held in jail pending a judge’s validation of the detentions expected mid‑week.
  • Investigators are analyzing CCTV, cell‑site records and seized stones for DNA, with WhatsApp group chats and a young supporter’s testimony cited as key leads.
  • The ambush struck the Pistoia fans’ coach near the Contigliano exit, where stones and bricks were hurled from below the roadway, killing second driver Raffaele Marianella, 65.
  • Federbasket ordered Rieti’s A2 home fixtures behind closed doors pending inquiries, while the club moves to join the case as a civil party and authorities review match‑security measures.