In a chilling episode of the program "Un giorno in pretura," which aired on April 15, 2025, viewers were brought face-to-face with the harrowing details surrounding the double murder of Daniele De Santis and Eleonora Manta. The couple, who were just beginning their life together, were brutally killed by their former roommate, Antonio De Marco, in Lecce on September 21, 2020. The episode not only examined the trial of De Marco but also delved into the disturbing psychological motives behind this heinous crime.
At 33 years old, Daniele De Santis was an aspiring referee in Lega Pro, while 30-year-old Eleonora Manta worked at INPS. On that fateful evening, the couple was preparing for their first dinner in their new apartment on Via Montello 2. Their moment of intimacy was tragically shattered when De Marco, driven by jealousy and a profound sense of unhappiness, launched a premeditated attack against them.
According to reports, De Marco had meticulously planned the murder. He studied the streets to avoid detection by CCTV cameras and even devised a method to clean the crime scene using boiling water and bleach. However, his plan unraveled as he was caught on camera without his face covered, having lost his hood and mask during the struggle. The details of the attack were gruesome; De Santis and Manta were stabbed a staggering 79 times, a reflection of De Marco's rage and premeditated intent.
Witnesses reported hearing screams, which alerted neighbors who thought there was a burglary in progress. In reality, it was the horrific scene of a double murder unfolding. De Marco's failure to account for the reactions of his victims and the noise they made ultimately led to his capture. When police apprehended him, he reportedly asked how long he had been under surveillance and then laughed, showing no remorse for his actions.
During the trial, De Marco confessed to the murders but remained vague about his motives. The prosecution painted a picture of a lonely, envious individual whose inability to cope with the happiness of others led him to commit such a brutal act. The question posed during the program was stark: can one truly die from envy? In this case, it seemed that the answer was a tragic yes.
De Marco was sentenced to life in prison two years after the murders. His first-degree conviction was followed by an additional three years of isolation in prison after an appeal. He was deemed capable of understanding the gravity of his actions, which eliminated the possibility of a new psychiatric evaluation. His sentence became final when he chose not to pursue further appeals, and reports indicate that he has since enrolled in Philosophy courses while serving his time.
The episode of "Un giorno in pretura" not only highlighted the specifics of the trial but also raised broader questions about mental health, jealousy, and the factors that can lead an individual to commit such acts of violence. As society grapples with issues of mental health and the impact of isolation, the story of De Santis and Manta serves as a grim reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked emotions.
As the program aired, it sparked discussions across social media and among viewers, many expressing outrage and sadness over the senseless loss of two young lives. The tragic events serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues and the need for societal support systems to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The trial of Antonio De Marco and the subsequent airing of this episode have not only shed light on the specific case but also contributed to a larger conversation about the dangers of envy and the psychological factors that can lead to violence. As the community continues to mourn the loss of Daniele De Santis and Eleonora Manta, their story remains a catalyst for change and awareness in the ongoing fight against violence fueled by emotional turmoil.
