Italy sees yet another grisly murder trial begin

It’s like the world has learned nothing post Amanda Knox. For recap purposes, let’s bring everybody up to speed here because the case truly is astonishing according to documents about the case. According to documents, Finnegan Lee Elder (right) and Gabriel Natale-Hjorth (left)  are accused of killing a 35-year-old newlywed police officer last July in Rome.

Mario Cerciello Rega, 35 has been identified as that police officer and pretty much from here is where the case gets hairy. Prosecutors allege that in a vicious case of aggravated murder — Natale-Hjorth and Finnegan Elder
“stabbed Rega 11 times” in what was actually a botched drug deal gone horribly awry.

Police and prosecutors in the opening day of the trial made the stunning claims that the teens were sold “crushed aspirin” when in fact they were under the impression they were being sold top-grade cocaine. Upon discovering such, they (“snatched a backpack from the seller, refused to return it, and a fight ensued.”)

Unfortunately for the teens, the dealer allegedly phoned the police without them knowing about it which led to a stabbing incident at the crime scene when Mario Rega actually showed up. That fatal night would go on to alter their lives forever — as they’re both facing life in Italian prison.

Evidence: Prosecutors allege that both teens were seen on security footage obtained from the crime scene fleeing said scene. They were then found in a nearby hotel room, whereas the knife used in the murder was allegedly found in the ceiling.

Plot twist: The Local reports that Italian authorities (similar to the way they were lambasted during Amanda Knox ‘s infamous murder trial) are under intense scrutiny for violating police rules; not carrying. weapons, blindfolding a suspect — and it is now believed that neither of the officers identified themselves that night.

Multiple reports suggest that the teens were actually fighting in self-defence because the officers did not openly identify themselves — leaving the teens to allegedly believe they were criminals.