American Tourist Granted House Arrest in Rome Police Murder Case

An American, Gabriel Christian Natale-Hjorth, previously convicted of murdering a police officer in Rome, has been granted house arrest. He and his friend, Finnegan Lee Elder, had initially received life sentences but saw reductions over time. Natale-Hjorth will serve the remainder of his term at his grandmother's house.

An American tourist, Gabriel Christian Natale-Hjorth, convicted of murdering a police officer in Rome, has been placed under house arrest, according to judicial sources on Monday. The judge's decision will move Natale-Hjorth out of prison.

Gabriel Christian Natale-Hjorth, along with his friend Finnegan Lee Elder, were originally given life sentences for the 2019 murder of Mario Cerciello Rega, who was stabbed to death following a failed drug deal. Subsequent court decisions reduced their sentences, leading to Natale-Hjorth now serving an 11-year, 4-month term.

Judicial sources reveal he was tussling with another Carabinieri officer during the attack. Elder continues to serve a 15-year, 2-month term. Natala-Hjorth's house arrest was granted upon request by his lawyers, to be served at his grandmother's residence near Rome.

The decision has left Cerciello Rega's widow in shock, her lawyer Massimo Ferrandino confirmed. The two Californians have cited self-defense, claiming they mistook the plainclothes policemen for assailants. Prosecutors, seeking harsher sentences, are expected to appeal to Italy's highest court.

(With inputs from agencies.)