Football journalist ‘may have been burned alive’ as ‘murder’ probe continues | World | News
A football journalist whose body was found burned could have been alive at the time of the horrific attack, according to the autopsy report. The charred body of Luigi “Luca” Esposito was found in the countryside of the Italian town of Eboli.
While initial reports suggested he may have been shot, the autopsy report suggests he suffered a head injury inconsistent with a gunshot wound. The report, prepared after a CT scan, suggests the journalist suffered typical beating injuries, including blows to the head and fractures to his pelvis, face and ribs. It is believed that he was then doused in flammable liquid and burned.
In the autopsy report prepared by coroner Gabriele Casaburi, it was stated that it could not yet be ruled out that Esposito was alive when he was burned, and that histological and toxicology reports were required for more clarity.
His phone and WhatsApp records were used to give an initial idea of the journalist’s movements on the night he was killed.
He is believed to have been hacked before midnight on July 18 as he often contacted colleagues to comment on article headlines.
The last WhatsApp entry on the night in question took place at 22.47, but his phone was not found at the scene.
Security cameras in the area recorded Esposito parking his car towards Contrada Cioffi in Eboli around 23:00 and was later found dead nearby. The car keys were found in his pocket.
Esposito’s death is being treated as a homicide and the investigation is being led by anti-mafia chief Rafaele Cantone.
The Salerno region, where he was found and found dead, is known locally as the stronghold of the Camorra organization, one of the oldest and most powerful mafia organizations in Italy.
The victim, from Nocera Inferiore and a strong Salernitana 1919 supporter, operated the website TuttoSalernitana.com.
He was also a columnist for La Citta di Salerno and a frequent commentator for OttoChannel TV, reporting on Serie B clubs such as Avellino and Juve Stabia. Colleagues described him as outspoken, courageous and with extensive connections in the football world.
OttoChannel director Pierluigi Melillo said: “Luca was a valuable collaborator; quirky but never ordinary, always brave in defending his football ideas. He would be one of our star experts next season.”
He said the team was “shocked and in disbelief” by the “horrific execution”.
