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Subscribe to RSSUpdated at 4:15 a.m. ET on Nov. 5: ROME -- The suspect in the stabbing of a 19-year-old American student in the Italian capital Rome says he has no recollection of the events, officials said Saturday.
Reid Schepis, 20, told a judge Saturday that he didn't even want to go clubbing Halloween night before the Thursday morning stabbing, his lawyer told NBC News.
The victim, New Jersey-born Fabio Malpeso, is "doing much better and is awake and has already spoken to his parents and sibling," Police Chief Lorenzo Suraci told NBC News. "Doctors are more confident on his recovery now."
Malpeso was in critical condition after the attack, officials said.
Suraci said police hope to speak to Malpeso, who underwent surgery for stab wounds to his lungs and other parts of his body, when he recovers further.
Attorney Vincenzo Comi, who represents Schepis, also said he was told Malpeso is improving.
"He is obviously still under observation but he is awake and talking," Comi told NBC News. "He even asked about the situation and what is happening."
Earlier: Italy police say student stabs sleeping American friend while on drugs
Comi said a judge on Saturday confirmed Schepis' arrest and will decide soon on a defense request that Schepis be held under house arrest.
Comi said that Schepis told the judge that he "did not remember anything of the episode."
"As he spoke of the events leading up to the tragedy he was crying desperately and sobbing throughout," Comi said. "He kept saying how sorry he was. Every time Fabio's name was mentioned he would break down. He just couldn't explain the events."
Comi said Schepis went "against his will" with Malpeso and two unnamed young men to the club Atlantic, where some in the group drank alcohol and took drugs.
Schepis told the judge that it was the first time he had ever taken drugs, Comi said.
Schepis firmly denied buying the drug, Comi said. An unnamed friend among the foursome gave it to him, Comi said.
Schepis remembers seeing his friend collapse, Comi said. He said he panicked and became very agitated as he tried to think of how to help and recalls running to the bathroom, fetching a glass of water and throwing on his friend, Comi said.
Schepis said he then started feeling ill and faint himself, Comi said. From that moment on he has no recollection of going back to the house or any of the horrific events that took place there, he said.
Schepis "woke up in the police station cell."
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"Reid is a good kid; he comes from a good family,” Comi told NBC News. "Fabio and Reid were the best of friends. They were both in their second year of university but knew each other from before. Even their parents knew each other. This is another dramatic aspect of the whole tragedy. They were all friends."
"Reid is just a 20-year old kid who found himself in the middle of something he could never even have imagined," he said. "There was not a single sign that could have forewarned anyone of this tragedy."
Yara Nardi / F3 Press
Reid Schepis is taken into custody Thursday after allegedly stabbing fellow student Fabio Malpeso in Rome, Italy.
Authorities earlier said the motive for the early Thursday attack in an apartment that overlooks Rome's famous Colosseum was unclear. However, detectives suspect "drug- and alcohol-related delirium" might be a factor.
Schepis and Malpeso are both second-year students at John Cabot University, an American college in Rome, Comi said.
A third man, an Italian in his 30s named Andrea Rinaldi, suffered injuries to his arms and hands trying to defend Malpeso, and was also in the hospital, police said. Rinaldi is the boyfriend of Malpeso's sister, Federica.
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The couple had returned to the flat early Thursday and had not gone to the club with the foursome, as earlier reported.
The two unnamed youths with Schepis and Malpeso had returned to the flat, too, but left before Malpeso was stabbed about 7:45 a.m., according to court testimony.
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Drugged up teens, can't they stab somebody with a carrot or a banana instead of a knife? They know what they are doing when they go for the knife.
that thar Fabio fell'r...knifed his buddy up...i guess when he get's better he will knife him back...ya know what they say...when in rome do like the Romans...
the NNA needs to quit their knife lobbying. anybody can buy a knife, any kind of knife. when will these knves be taken out of the hands of the average person ?
ban knives now.
well...the knife was probably dinner ware, so maybe good friends should just stick to stabbing with spoons? Lucky guy, as it seems that he's survived the worst part. Maybe making better choices in friends might go a long way as well...
yes, something really went wrong somewhere in that association. i hope full recovery is possible. "we" can be so cruel to each other at times.
And to think all he was doing beforehand was reading up on Roman history.
I wonder if he got to the part about Caesar yet?
Life sucks and then you are in custody.
Et Tu Doofuss?
To all you lib druggies who want to legalize everything, this should be a lesson to you, but it won't. You're just too stupid to get it.
Yeah mang. One guy took an unnamed drug and then stabbed someone. It's proof that all drugs make you kill people, and should be made illegal. Air-tight logic.
Meanwhile, an average of around 42 people die in America every day due to drunk driving, and that's not counting deaths from alcohol abuse or violence. What do you have to say about banning alcohol?
Think before you type please, as hard as that may be.
A clear case of "Innocent by reason of temporary insanity!" This guy "unwillingly" went with his friends, (probably) unwillingly drank alcohol, smoked pot, and took ecstacy (didn't want to be a party pooper now, did he?) He also "unwillingly" (out of control during a black out) stabbed his friend nearly to smithereens. Thank goodness, his friend lived (and some say there is no God.) Let them shake hands and make up like buddies will do. No need for a costly litigation just to find this guy innocent. "He's NEVER taken drugs (includes alcohol) before, your Honor, he's a noob, who could fault him for loosing his mind and nearly killing his friend; if you'd have been in his shoes you'd probably wind up doing the same thing yourself, your Honor! Let this man go back to school and finish becoming a contributing memeber of society!" Case Closed!!!
tstucker,
there's a difference between the drugs people want legalized and the drugs that get a person to the point of killing someone,
there are more prescription drugs that cause people to become suicidal and homicidal than weed.
are you too stupid to get that?
So let's just legalize MORE substances that can kill people. That's logical, right? Don't kid yourselves about weed, guys. I didn't really think it was that addictive until I began reading these threads and read all the addict language people used about it-I began to feel like I was in a regular NA meeting! And, no, I'm not stupid at all, just seen quite a lot, thank you-about weed and other things.
seen too much ok, clearly you have a case of reefer madness and have no clue what most of society already knows....suggestion, read the book: Who moved my cheese, get over your hysteria and stop being a nuisance to a society that's is more informed. Give some real substance, sources to support your argument and maybe you will be heard...just like the cancer patient your refuse to listen to.
Oh wow, you've read a lot of user comments on the internet and now you're an expert on marijuana,
that's fascinating, positively bullet-proof credentials. Simply put, your archaic and misinformed opinions make you sound like my grandmother.
Nicotine and alcohol have been proven to be more addictive than marijuana is, if it is at all. As for it killing people...it is impossible to overdose. Are you speaking of long-term health effects? You mean the ones that pale in comparison to those suffered by cigarette smokers and long-term drinkers? People will use weed regardless of the law, this is a fact. Like most other products, the responsibility rests on the consumer to use it responsibly, in this case a substance FAR less dangerous than either cigarettes or alcohol. Denmark sells weed in coffee shops for Christsakes. Are they overcome with drug-related crime and fatalities? Nope, sorry to disappoint you. I hear they're actually closing a few prisons because the space is no longer needed. Crime rates are generally lower there then in the U.S, and it's rated as a happier country overall. How strange...
Instead of legalizing and regulating a comparatively tame product that could likely create a multi-billion dollar industry for our struggling nation, misinformed dinosaurs like you are keeping it illegal and wasting taxpayer's money on needless court fees and jail-related expenses. Good job. Enjoy fighting paper tigers while you can, because sooner or later, perhaps even as long as decades from now, your archaic breed will die out, and INFORMED reasoning will prevail.
Have you ever watched Saturday morning cartoons? I remember around 15 years ago when they were saying the silly violence of Bugs Bunny and other cartoons were too violent for children. Last month I was watching a cartoon with one of my nephews and saw these cartoon characters gunning each other down with automatic weapons and you could see the bullet holes being riddled through their bodies and the blood splattering out behind them. Yep, that is less violent than Bugs Bunny and better for kids. So imagine someone growing up watching that under the influence of drugs! So it's no wonder you have 15 year old girls killing their sister's 9 year old best friend "just to see what it is like to kill someone!"
Dave if they ban knives how can i cut my t-bones and my porter houses and my ribeyes. If it dont cost 20 bucks a pound i wont eat that meat. Never ate a hamburger in my life or a hot dog that is poor people food i wont eat what poor people eat. I went to my mom's house cause she invited me to dinner i did not see one t-bone or ribeye or porterhouse i asked her what she was having she said meat loaf ewwww poor people food i told her bye and i was going to a steakhouse for dinner where i can get a nice porter house and 2 sides for 45.99.
SnakeFist:
Your mom probably did not tell you that the meatloaf she was serving was made from the Top Sirloin she ground up especially for you.
Send in Liam Neisen along with SEAL Team 6...
I don't care what nationality the perpetrator is. Foreigners need to learn that harming an American carries a steep price.
the alleged perpetrator is also American you fool !
The devil made me do it! The devil made me do it!
@SnakeFist
yeah, ill eat a steak every couple of weeks, but when i cut it i dont want to fight it.
just have a good set of bread knives and steak knives these days, plus my buck skinning knife.
i like saffron rice and white pizza more than anything these days, but when its time for a good steak, i dont want to fight it.
Hey, I never said this was my only source of info-I've also read a number of scientific studies about weed-posted by people who supported legalizing marijuana, BTW-watched my friends on weed, watched my dad on weed, talked to numerous addicts in person (some recovering and some not-remember those NA meetings), and so forth. Oh, and I'm in healthcare, so I'll bet I know a lot more about cancer than a lot of you do. But go ahead and make all the assumptions about me you like...
emphasis mine
Again the assumption that someone who disagrees with you can't possibly know any facts and must be repressed. Isn't that kind of arrogant? You also say I'm not even the same breed as you if I don't agree with you? Plus I'll die...Wow. You don't think you have serious issues if you are saying things like that just because I disagree with you about marijuana?
seen too much
You are dealing with hopheads who are so caught up in their own self-indulgent narcissism that you can't get through. The dope has killed too many brain cells and cognitive dissonance has set in.
Utterly pathetic, isn't it...
Well, their parents are going to quit sending money, aren't they?
i hope not...got'a buy more drugs and knives...the high price of education...ya know...
Money=Freedom
Any poor kid would be stuck with some schmuck of an attorney and would be in a pink jump suit in no time. "he comes from a good family" These code words that reveal his status to society will get him off the hook. Being white doesn't hurt either. I wonder if 'Bath Salts Zombie Kid' survived and had came from a "good family"; would he get this written apology by NBC on the front of NBC News' website-declaring how sorry he is and he doesn't remember anything. That's what this article is. A public apology to minimize the backlash from the imminent slap on the wrist.
Richardharrow. You are correct.
Richardharrow-----Why is race or financial status an issue in this story?
I cannot interpret this story and how I referred to it alongside the politics of this world, Dan.
Thank goodness those European nations don't allow guns. He may have been seriously hurt.
with friends like that...ya don't need no enemies...
Poor little rich dudes.
Who said they were rich or little. Oh I see its about Rich Little.
As they say " When in Rome "
Hope he recovers quickly.
Same thing happened to that guy Caesar.
Wheres all the gun nuts posting the "If they were packin" speeches..............Must be an NRA rally somewhere....
I'm surprised you're not at your local liberal anti-knife rally there weathermen. Lazy today?
i fear those deadly sporks...
Weatherman - by NRA you mean Normal Rational Adults, right? You really shouldn't talk about things you don't understand. Stick to the destructive social changes liberals like you are so fond of promoting.
"Weathermen"---Does that name denote acute schizophrenia or severe multiple-personality disorder?
We might wish to know for those occaisions when annonymous nutcases wish to explain constitutional law via other people's message boards whilst experiencing delusions of relevance.
An American University in Rome?,,What the Hell is that? ///!!!
It's like all the Mexican Universities here in the US.
That is normal....there are many American universities in Rome, as well from other countries.
Don't expect these dummies to know that bob
He needs new friends.
Stick to the Italian Ice, and Cannoli, but Pizza is safer for parties.
Dred44,I agree.Italy has great coffee drinks and Gelatos.With all the great food there who needs drugs.
Drugs these days are being made out to make people crazy......Illuminati
People need to stop making jokes about how well off the kids are. The kid (my friend from high school, actually) was stabbed multiple times, and you're joking about how it must suck to be rich?
Yes, I have a personal connection to him, so yes, I'm going to be biased, but come on. Are the jokes necessary?
Jokes are optional.
So; it appears; is intelligence Mario.
Yes. Jokes are required. But, take heart, the rich stabbing the rich - it's a win-win.
leachboy77,I wouldn't admit to knowing the guy who was stabbed as he was out doing drugs with the stabber.Your friend is supposed to be getting a higher education and not embarrassing our country by getting blotto on illegal drugs.I have no sympathy for either one of them.
It is funny, but not funny haha. I bet you the same individuals who defend rituals and rites of passage for military cadets ,are appalled at the drug rituals of the university experience. And before anyone gets the idea that I am defending or condemning either, the only thing I can say is I abhor ritualistic rites of passage in the First World countries as a whole. Next, I show my age by saying I remember the horror stories of "Bad Trips" from LSD and the like, but the recent rash, now worldwide of drug taking resulting in violent anti social behaviour should cause alarm. What if someone slips YOU this special gift? Think about it.
Several years ago my brother was slipped a drug in his drink at a club. Thankfully nothing horrific happened to anyone else but the drug did major damage to his kidney and he had to undergo dialysis. Today he is alright but it was a terrifying time. My brother does no drugs but the legal one that comes in a liquid form. He actually drinks rarely as well. He almost died because someone wanted to "liven up the party".
For the young man who's friend is the one who was stabbed; I pray he will be alright. I really feel for you and am sorry that you had to read all of these jokes at your Friend's expense. You are right; it isn't necessary; in fact it really is very small minded and rude.
This is a tragedy beyond my comprehension and people are making jokes about it? What is so funny about someone being slipped a bad drug and then attempting to kill their best friend and have no memory of it? If this had happened to either of my sons while in college or for that matter at any time it would have been devastating for not only them but our entire families. And who ever said they were rich, you do not have to be rich to attend University in Europe. So far this has been a childish discussion about sporks and knife control, not about a serious travasty that has affected lives that were obviouxly closely knit. You need to pray that this young man who allegedly stabbed his friend is forgiven of his crime and that they can all go forward with their lives having learned a great lesson of life. Drugs do kill and not always directly.
you are missing the point.
eg, my first post about knife control, my second post about how cruel we can be to each other, and many other "joking" posts between there and here.
until we put political correctness in the trash bin, where it belongs, we will continue to lose our freedom and rights.
if you think losing our freedom and rights are trumped by political correctness, there is nothing to tell you.
this story and follow on comments like yours is just one twisted example "us" thinking the loss of rights and freedom is more important than anything else. not to mention the huge magnifying glass these type of comments place squarely on those who prefer to ignore the real problem; that being personal responsibility.
They might be pitiable, but I can generate no sympathy nor empathy for them, or for their actions, or the consequences resulting.
No that they've finally gotten Reid Schepis' name turned around correctly, they might finally figure out he's not really from Calabria, but Chicago.
Chicago has its reputation, and Rome has its own. In this case they seem to overlap.
i would be scared to death facing a justice system that sends scientist to prison for not predicting earthquakes.
They were not charged for that, they were charged to failing to alert the public of a possible earthquake, I can bring up several quotes to support that claim.
"While scientists protested that the seven faced charges for failing to predict the earthquake, the issue is more complicated than that. In L'Aquila, Hall reported, "Prosecutors and the families of victims alike say that the trial has nothing to do with the ability to predict earthquakes, and everything to do with the failure of government-appointed scientists serving on an advisory panel to adequately evaluate, and then communicate, the potential risk to the local population."
"According to the prosecution, they had spread "inaccurate, incomplete and contradictory" statements after preliminary tremors could be felt on the days before 6 April 2009. "
"Boschi (one of the scientists) had called a major earthquake "unlikely", while not entirely excluding the possibility. De Bernardinis (another) had informed the public that there was "no danger".
However, I do not believed that the hash did it, it seems anti-drug to me, but Ecstasy in a huge amount can make you have black out and bad trips moments.
"failing to alert the public of a possible earthquake"
that is literally what I said. they failed to predict an earthquake.
if the public is to stupid to realize their is always a chance of an earthquake, especially after tremors, that is on them. not the scientist.
@Mouzie,
regardless, so who in their right mind would be a geophysicist in italy now ?
name anyone who have could done a better job at predicting the earthquake.
plain simple fact, italy has some flawed issues other than their national economy to address right now.
25I-NBOMe ?, 2C-B ?, 2C-I ?
There are drugs circulating in the "rave" scene now that are really, really bad, and toxic to boot.
Not something that anyone could be expected to have a positive outcome on, let alone a kid.
Italy Huh? Time to round up the usual suspects and get this moneymaker issue all wound out of proportion and blame and jail a couple of innocent students nearby.
Where have I heard this story before???
...maybe you have heard this story in the asylum from where you escaped recently?
So its the rave scene this time. why cant people face life without the party hardy attitude. gotta have my drugs, had a bad day at work, my girlfriend left, got a D on my report card, hey gotta go out and hang with my buds. Well hes is a student just going out clubbing. Never took drugs before. and after the jail sentence you will have a reason to take more drugs. Man got a 10 year sentence in an eyetalian jail. Nobody spoke english. LOL.
When are these idiots gonna realize there are more important things to do than play xbox, go out and party. the start of a good wasted life. LOL
Lover's quarrel, most likely.
Travel via 747 from the USA to Italy, arrive in Rome, attend university to enter a career most could never have, live in a high-priced apartment adjacent to the ancient coliseum and the numerous other fascinating features of Rome.
Yet, it is necessary to get drunk, smoke hashish, and take whatever designers drug might be handy, and stay awake till 7:00, 8:00, 9:00 am--with the major intoxication still highly active. Why?--because life is too unfair, unfulfilling, disatisfactory, and boring?
Now each of them might get a book deal and a movie deal to tell the rest of us how their lives are really tough.
Sew up Mr. Pincusion and stick Zorro in the klink for a few years and let's focus on people who can appreciate opportunities and deserve to live better lives.
DAVE,if he had a gun the student now will be dead.Use your had,or drink less before you write .If you are happy to have 16000 killing every year,that's your problem.DOBB ecc,,American University in Italy they are in every major city,and more than one or two.TWOCENTSIN,maybe the judicial system in Italy is not perfect,but they don't kill tens of innocent people that are put in jail and are proved innocent after all.Before you criticized others look in yours home.But the arrogance and ignorance of most of the REPUBLICANS,( I bet you are such )is famous all around the planet(if you know what a planet is)and they laugh at you.
you know these things about me for a fact ?
you know what would have happened if he didnt have a knife but only access to a gun for a fact ?
you think the geophysicists should be held responsible for the earthquake damage ?
ill call things as i see them and will continue to do so, and thats a fact.
Another young person who drinks to the point of ruining their life. Very sad.
Knives and whacked out druggies are a bad combination.
Let's see no racist remarks, no attributing this behavior to his race, sympathy.......The perp must be white
Tank...
Truly...An Asinine comment............
I feel sorry for everyone in this sad story. However, people who drink in excess and take drugs should still be guilty of the crimes they commit. As they say, if you can't do the time, don't do drugs and drink to excess.
Interesting piece.. Of course, it was a drug induced episode... Or at least, that is what they are going with at this point in time. My issue is with the writer.... This page is seen worldwide, and he sounds like a High School kid writing a report for class... Don't they teach proper grammar, or sentence structure anymore? Every other sentence was "Comi said" "Comi said"... Yes, we got that... Now, try a different writing style!