An Italian serial killer who remains an enigma to this day, as he simply murdered people without any apparent motive, was Roberto Succo. He was born on 3 April 1962 in Mestre, the son of a detective. Roberto was regarded as a polite young man who was studying at university and had a penchant for poetry. He himself loved writing poetry. No one suspected that behind the façade of the gentle-natured student lay a ticking time bomb, which exploded on 9 April 1981. On that day, Roberto, aged just 19, killed his parents by stabbing his mother to death and strangling his father. He then mutilated their bodies beyond recognition and placed them in the bath. For the brutal double murder of his own parents, Roberto Succo was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, which he served in the psychiatric prison in Reggio nell’Emilia. But that was by no means the end of Roberto’s criminal career. On 15 May 1986, he managed to escape over the roof of the institution. Roberto’s spectacular escape sparked a media frenzy, as, whilst on the run over the course of two years across four European countries, he committed further murders, car thefts, robberies, hostage-takings and rapes. At the time, Roberto was considered one of the most wanted criminals in Italy, France and Switzerland. He topped their most-wanted lists and was regarded as public enemy number one. It was not until 28 February 1983 that the police were able to apprehend Roberto in his home town of Mestre. Just four days after his arrest, Roberto attempted to escape again by climbing naked onto the prison roof. He threw bricks around and uttered incoherent tirades of hatred. This spectacle was captured on film by an Italian television crew. This time, however, Roberto did not manage to escape, as he was overpowered. Just a few months later, on 23 May 1988, Roberto committed suicide in his prison cell in Vicenza by pulling a plastic bag over his head, causing him to suffocate in agony. In 1988, the playwright Bernard-Marie Koltès created a monument to this cold-blooded serial killer with his play Roberto Zucco, in which he is stylised as a hero. To this day, Roberto Zucco’s life provides ample material for books and films.
Welcome to my journey through creativity and discovery! My name is Isabella Mueller, and I invite you to explore the fascinating creative universes I create through my blogs. Since 2020, I have been dedicating my passion to telling captivating stories that are mysterious, historical, and emotional. My goal is not only to entertain, but also to inspire reflection and awaken the spirit of discovery in each of us. At isabellas.blog, the suspense of crime stories is combined with exciting travel tips. Imagine wandering through the picturesque streets of a new city, uncovering dark secrets hidden in the shadows of its history. Every piece on my blog is designed to make the heart of every crime fiction fan beat faster while sparking curiosity about unknown places. Here, you are invited to experience the thrill of the unknown and the beauty of our world—a perfect combination for all adventure seekers! My second blog, akteq.com, is all about true, unsolved crime stories. Under the motto “akteQ: Cold Case Stories,” I reveal the eerie and often tragic stories behind unsolved cases. Together, we can explore the mysteries of the past and delve deep into the human psyche. What really happened? Who were the people behind these mysterious events? In this blog, I invite you to ask questions and find the answers that often remain hidden in the dark. You can find another exciting chapter in my blogging career at thecastles.org. Here, I embark on an enchanting journey through the history of castles and palaces. Pause for a moment as you discover the stories hidden within the walls of these ancient structures. “Explore the enchantment, discover the history – your journey begins at thecastles.org!” These words are more than just a slogan; they are an invitation to anyone who wants to combine history and magic. Be inspired by the impressive stories and the fascination of bygone eras! But that's not all! At kripo.org, you'll find a comprehensive online magazine for real criminal cases. Immerse yourself in the world of crime, learn about the real stories behind the headlines and the people who are involved in solving them. With criminal.energy, I take you on a journey through the gripping stories of true crimes in which villains are hunted, caught, and convicted. The search for justice and the confrontation with the unknown are at the center of it all. TrueCrime Blog 187.news takes you into the depths of crime. And for those who want to travel the world, wanderlust.plus offers the opportunity to explore the world, one adventure at a time. It's all about the love of exploration and the joy of discovering new cultures and landscapes. Finally, truecrime.ch invites you to discover the dark side of Switzerland and Europe: true crimes, true stories. Let's discover together the stories that shape the world around us. I look forward to accompanying you on this exciting journey and hope you will share many unforgettable moments with me!
Isabella Mueller (crime writer)
