A football journalist whose body was found burnt could have been alive when the horrific attack took place, according to the autopsy report. The charred remains of Luigi “Luca” Esposito’s body were found in the countryside in the Italian town of Eboli.
While initial reports suggested he may have been shot, an autopsy report suggests he suffered a head injury, not compatible with a gunshot wound. The report following a CT scan suggests the journalist suffered injuries typical of a beating, including blows to his head and fractures to his pelvis, face and ribs. He’s believed to have then been doused with flammable liquid and burnt.
The autopsy report by coroner Gabriele Casaburi said it cannot be yet ruled out that Esposito was alive when he was burnt, with histological and toxicology reports needed for more clarity.
The journalist’s phone and WhatsApp records were used to give an initial idea of his movements the night he was killed.
He is believed to have been attacked before midnight on July 18, as he usually communicated with his colleagues at the time to comment on article headlines.
His last WhatsApp login was at 10.47pm on the night in question, but his phone was not found at the scene.
CCTV cameras in the area captured Esposito driving to Contrada Cioffi in Eboli at around 11pm, where he parked his car and was later found dead nearby. He was found with the car keys in his pocket.
Esposito’s death is being treated as murder, with the prosecution being overseen by anti-mafia chief Rafaele Cantone.
The Salerno region, where he was based and found dead, is known locally as a stronghold of the Camorra syndicate – one of the oldest and most powerful mafia organisations 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 pundit on OttoChannel TV, reporting on Serie B clubs including Avellino and Juve Stabia. His colleagues described him as forthright, bold and extensively connected in the footballing world.
OttoChannel director Pierluigi Melillo said: “Luca was a precious collaborator – awkward but never banal, always brave in defending his opinions on football. He was due to be one of our star pundits next season.”
He said the team was “shocked and incredulous” at the “horrible execution”.