Italian professional football referee Daniele De Santis, who mostly conducted Serie C matches, the third division of Italian football, was found stabbed to death along with his model girlfriend Eleonora Manta at their homes in Lecce on Monday.
Local witness found the lifeless body of De Santis on the stairs between the 1st and 2nd floors of their residential building. The 33-year-old who was found stabbed to death in the evening of 21st September and his 30-year-old partner Manta’s body was found inside their apartment.
Witnesses also reported loud footsteps and screams, as a man was seen fleeing the scene shortly after, with a knife on his hand. Soon afterwards, the police were called at the spot.
Investigation of CCTV footage by the cops reveal that the perpetrator was seen running with his face covered, and had a backpack on his shoulders.
Italian football mourns the premature death of Daniele De Santis
Daniele De Santis made his professional debut as a fourth official in a Serie B match between Pisa and Benevento in 2017. He conducted around 130 matches in both Serie C and Serie D and was also selected to officiate the upcoming Coppa Italia 1st round clash between Monopoli and Modena on Wednesday.
Marcello Nicchi, President of Italian Referees’ Association mourned the sad demise of the young official.
“I am shocked by this tragedy,” Nicchi spoke to Gazzetto dello Sport.
“We still know very little about the case. The thing I can say is that we are in close contact with the family and with all the people in the section,” the prez added.
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“No words can express the grief of the Pro Liga, its officials, clubs and players for the premature death of referee Daniele De Santis and his partner Eleonora,” said Francesco Ghirelli, President of Lega Pro, the governing body of Serie C.
“We remember his smile when on the pitch and his passion for Serie C, which he regarded as a family.”
“Violence destroys, and it has taken away two young people with hopes and dreams. It is the number one enemy to oppose in all its forms,” Ghirelli acknowledged.
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