Italian police rule out rituals in death of British man in Sicily
Italian authorities have dismissed claims of esoteric rituals surrounding the death of British man Benjamin John Braithwaite in Sicily, as a murder investigation continues.
Italian authorities have dismissed claims of esoteric rituals in the death of Benjamin John Braithwaite, a British man whose body was discovered near Noto in Sicily on September 13. The Carabinieri, Italy’s military police, confirmed the absence of evidence linking the incident to ritualistic activity, despite local reports suggesting otherwise.
Police Confirm No Rituals Involved
The Carabinieri spokesperson stated that no signs of esoteric rituals were found near Braithwaite’s body, which was located between Noto and Canicattini Bagni in the Province of Syracuse. A rope was recovered at the scene, and investigators are examining whether it played a role in his death. The spokesperson also noted the presence of a drawing with “esoteric connotations” on a perimeter wall of a nearby property, though it was not situated near the body. “There is no evidence linked to esoteric rituals,” the statement emphasized.
Local media had previously speculated about the possibility of ritualistic involvement, citing reports of “a goat’s head, several bottles of psychotropic drugs, and other objects suggesting esoteric rituals” near the site. However, authorities have not corroborated these claims. The Syracuse chief prosecutor, Sabrina Gambino, has initiated a murder investigation, with an autopsy scheduled for September 22 to determine the cause of death.
Investigation Underway into Circumstances
Braithwaite, a 35-year-old man born in Leeds, West Yorkshire, was found at approximately 3 a.m. on September 13. The Carabinieri confirmed that the presence of injuries or signs of violence—particularly to the neck—remains under investigation. Authorities are also examining whether drugs or other substances contributed to his death. No suspects have been identified, and the investigation is being coordinated by the public prosecutor’s office of the court of Syracuse.
The British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has stated it is supporting Braithwaite’s family and maintaining contact with local authorities. A spokesperson for the FCDO said, “We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Italy and are in touch with the local authorities.”
Local Reports and Official Denials
Paolo Amenta, mayor of Canicattini Bagni and president of ANCI Sicilia, acknowledged the presence of a secluded community in the area, describing them as “graduates who chose to live in isolation.” He expressed hope that the investigation would clarify the circumstances surrounding Braithwaite’s death. “These are people I've met in the evenings, especially during events organised in the village. They've always been kind. They live in reorganised villages surrounded by nature,” Amenta said.
Despite these accounts, officials have stressed that no direct connection has been established between the community and the case. The Carabinieri spokesperson reiterated that the drawing with esoteric connotations found on a property wall was not near the location where Braithwaite’s body was discovered. “The investigation is ongoing, and we are following all leads,” the spokesperson added.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Benjamin John Braithwaite, 35, born in Leeds, West Yorkshire |
| Location of death | Near Noto, Province of Syracuse, Sicily |
| Date found | September 13 |
| Key findings | Rope near the body; drawing with esoteric connotations on a nearby property wall |
| Autopsy date | September 22 |
| Current status | No suspects under investigation; murder inquiry ongoing |
Autopsy Scheduled to Determine Cause of Death
The Carabinieri have emphasized that the autopsy will be critical in establishing the exact circumstances of Braithwaite’s death. Investigators are particularly focused on whether injuries or substances played a role. The results of the autopsy could influence the legal classification of the case, which remains pending.
The public prosecutor’s office of the court of Syracuse is overseeing the investigation, with the Carabinieri based in Noto handling on-the-ground inquiries. A spokesperson for the office stated, “We are committed to ensuring a thorough and transparent process.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were esoteric rituals considered in the investigation?
Local reports mentioned imagery and objects potentially linked to esoteric rituals near the site, prompting speculation. However, Italian authorities have confirmed no direct evidence connecting these elements to Braithwaite’s death.
What was the drawing with esoteric connotations, and where was it found?
A drawing with esoteric connotations was discovered on a perimeter wall of a property near the site. Authorities clarified that it was not located near where Braithwaite’s body was found, and its relevance to the case remains under investigation.
What happens next in the investigation?
The autopsy scheduled for September 22 will determine the cause of death. Investigators will continue examining the scene, reviewing evidence, and coordinating with local and British authorities to establish the circumstances of Braithwaite’s death.
The case remains under active investigation, with authorities urging patience as they work to uncover the full story. The upcoming autopsy and ongoing inquiries will be pivotal in shaping the next phase of the investigation.
Dateline Wire is dedicated to independent, evidence-backed reporting. This briefing was synthesized from primary source reporting, corroborated across independent newsrooms, and verified against our Editorial Standards.
