Murders of Vincenzo Solano and Mercedes Ibáñez

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On 30 August 2015, in Palagonia, Sicily, Vincenzo Solano (68) and Mercedes Ibáñez (70) were found dead in their home after a brutal attack that involved stabbing, a robbery, and sexual assault. An 18-year-old Ivory Coast migrant, Mamadou Kamara, was arrested and later found guilty on all counts. He received life imprisonment, and the sentence was upheld on appeal in 2021.

Solano and Ibáñez had lived in Palagonia for more than 40 years. They were immigrants who had once worked in Germany and were known for helping migrants staying at the nearby Cara Mineo refugee center. The couple had two daughters, Rosita and Manuela; Manuela’s four-year-old daughter was due to visit the house that day, but her mother took her to the beach instead.

The killings occurred in their home. Solano was killed in a way that suggested he may have been asleep when attacked, while Ibáñez was thrown from a balcony after being assaulted. Investigators said both were wounded with a large screwdriver and pliers, and Ibáñez was sexually assaulted.

Kamara was found with electronics and jewelry from the couple’s home in his bag, and police recovered blood-stained trousers. He was wearing clothes stolen from the house at the time of his arrest. Investigators suggested that Italian accomplices who knew about the valuables might have helped Kamara.

Kamara was convicted of two counts of murder, rape, and robbery and sentenced to life in prison. His conviction was confirmed on appeal in 2021.

Reaction to the case included strong criticism from the Solano-Ibáñez family. Their daughter Rosita blamed the Italian government for letting migrants in and for not offering condolences from political leaders. Prime Minister Matteo Renzi condemned the crime. Migrants at Cara Mineo held a prayer vigil for the couple. Right-wing politicians debated harsher responses to migrants, and the Palagonia mayor called for closing Cara Mineo to protect residents.

On 1 September, three locals attacked two Gambian migrants in Palagonia, an incident police treated as revenge for the killings. One victim required hospital treatment.