Ambulance Deaths Case: Luca Spada Maintains Innocence Amid Family Threats

Luca Spada, a 27-year-old former ambulance driver for the Italian Red Cross, has been arrested following an investigation into the deaths of several elderly patients in the Emilia-Romagna region. The arrest was carried out by the Forlì Carabinieri police over the weekend of April 11-12, 2026.

Spada, a resident of Meldola in the Forlì-Cesena province, is currently being investigated for voluntary manslaughter. Specifically, he has been charged with the aggravated homicide of an 85-year-old woman that occurred on November 25, though investigators believe he may be responsible for additional deaths.

Details of the Investigation

The Forlì Public Prosecutor’s Office, led by Chief Prosecutor Enrico Cieri, has spent several months reconstructing a series of anomalous incidents. The investigation focuses on deaths that occurred between late 2025 and early 2026 during or immediately after the transfer of vulnerable patients between hospitals and care homes.

Authorities suspect that Spada killed patients by administering injections during these journeys. While the exact motive remains unknown, Prosecutor Cieri noted that investigators are considering a wide range of possibilities, including economic motives, as Spada has links to a funeral parlour.

The scope of the investigation has expanded as more cases are reviewed. While the formal charge currently involves one woman, other reports indicate that Spada is being investigated for as many as six homicides, with some sources suggesting the number of suspected victims could be as high as eight.

Evidence and Legal Defense

The investigation has utilized wiretaps to gather evidence. Transcripts published by the newspaper Il Resto del Carlino include statements attributed to Spada in which he allegedly expressed a belief that elderly patients suffered too much and need to go to the good Lord. In another recorded instance, he allegedly stated, I liked what I did. I want to do it again.

Spada’s legal counsel has contested the interpretation of these recordings. His lawyer has characterized the statements as only riprovevole gergo di lavoro (reprehensible work jargon) and maintains that Spada is innocent.

During a recent legal proceeding, Spada underwent a four-hour interrogation by a judge. According to reports from ANSA and ForlìToday, Spada chose to answer all questions posed by the court and repeatedly asserted his innocence.

Impact and Aftermath

The case has caused significant distress in the local community, where Spada was known as Spadino. Following the arrest and the emergence of the charges, Spada has been suspended from his duties with the Red Cross.

The suspect’s family has also become targets of public anger. Spada’s partner has reported that she and her son have received death threats and harassment on social media. The family has indicated their intention to report these threats to the authorities.

Chief Prosecutor Enrico Cieri stated that the investigation is now focusing on developing a psychological profile of the suspect to determine if he fits the pattern of a serial killer.