Milan: Lawyer’s Ethyl Coma Case
- MILAN (AP) — Lawyers for Leonardo Apache La Russa, son of Italian Senate President Ignazio La Russa, are seeking to have sexual assault charges dismissed, arguing the alleged...
- Attorney Stefano benvenuto argued before a Milan judge that the woman was in a state of "clear confusion" due to the consumption of "multiple pharmacological and narcotic substances."...
- According to the defense, witnesses offered incomplete accounts, but intercepted communications revealed more telling details.
Defense Seeks Dismissal in La Russa Case, Cites victim’s Intoxication
MILAN (AP) — Lawyers for Leonardo Apache La Russa, son of Italian Senate President Ignazio La Russa, are seeking to have sexual assault charges dismissed, arguing the alleged victim was heavily intoxicated and unable to make sound decisions. La russa and a friend,Tommaso Gilardoni,are under examination following an alleged incident in May 2023.
Defense Claims Victim Impaired
Attorney Stefano benvenuto argued before a Milan judge that the woman was in a state of “clear confusion” due to the consumption of “multiple pharmacological and narcotic substances.” Benvenuto claims this “serious alteration” impacted her ability to consent.
According to the defense, witnesses offered incomplete accounts, but intercepted communications revealed more telling details. Thes included statements suggesting the woman “was not herself,” her speech was slurred, and she was “clearly out of it, incapable of deciding what she wanted to do,” and that La Russa “clearly took advantage of this.”
High Blood alcohol Content Alleged
The defense team contends that a friend’s account indicates the woman had a blood alcohol content of 3.2 grams per liter – nearing a state of ethyl coma. Medical consultant Dr. Massimo Rovati reportedly certified this level. The defense argues that such a level would require approximately 21 hours for complete disposal from the body.
Benvenuto asserts the alleged assault occurred less than two hours later. He further stated that the combined effects of alcohol and drugs “is clear that the offended part was in such a state of alteration to be engraved negatively in the sphere of one’s self -determination” with reflexes also on language and memories.
Mother’s Admission and Prior Incident
The defense also claims Leonardo La Russa’s mother acknowledged her son admitted to giving the woman an alcoholic substance. In addition, the defense raised the issue of a separate incident involving La Russa Jr. allegedly kissing a 17-year-old without her consent at a disco in June 2023. Phone chats reportedly revealed a dispute with the teenager’s father over the incident.
benvenuto argues this prior incident demonstrates a pattern of “repeated conduct” by Leonardo Apache La Russa.
Prosecutor Seeks Storage
The prosecutor has requested the case be archived. The defense has submitted over 5,500 pages of investigative findings.
The La Russa Case: Key Questions adn Answers
What is the La Russa Case about?
The La Russa case involves Leonardo Apache La Russa, the son of Italian Senate President Ignazio La Russa.He and a friend, tommaso Gilardoni, are under examination following an alleged sexual assault incident that occurred in May 2023.