CATANZARO, Italy – An incarcerated Italian mobster at the Calabrian prison of Catanzaro is making headlines for earning a sociology degree with a 170-page thesis, in which he confessed to three unsolved murders.
Catello Romano, 33, has been serving a life sentence for the 2009 murder of a Naples councilman, Luigi Tommasino, as well as other crimes. His thesis, titled “Criminal Fascination,” delves into his life of crime and details his involvement in these violent acts, according to reports.
The autobiographical thesis begins with Romano acknowledging his 14 consecutive years in prison and confessing to heinous crimes, including several Camorra murders. He has openly discussed his criminal history and taken full responsibility for his actions, shedding light on the allure of crime and the impact it has had on his life.
In his thesis, Romano revealed details about murdering rising rival mobster Carmine D’Antuono and Federico Donnarumma, a man who was killed simply for being with D’Antuono at the time. He also confessed to the previously unsolved killing of rival mafioso Nunzio Mascolo.
Despite his criminal past, the paper sought to understand the criminal phenomenon and contribute to its possible prevention. This revelation has led to prosecutors considering reopening the cases of the three unprosecuted killings. Romano has been transferred to a maximum-security prison in Padua as authorities investigate further.
Regardless of his criminal history, Catanzaro University professor and sociologist Charlie Barnao, who was Romano’s thesis advisor, commended him for his dedication and commitment to analyze his life through a sociological research method. He emphasized that Romano’s efforts have had a therapeutic function and could potentially bring about positive change.
The admissions made in Romano’s thesis have sparked interest in the academic and legal communities, leading to a reexamination of the cases in question. Romano’s work, while a bold and shocking revelation, has also opened the door to deeper analysis and understanding of the criminal mindset.