the victim, 35-year-old mario rega, a newlywed who just returned to work after his honeymoon. his killing sparking an outpouring of grief across the country american amanda knox spent almost four years in an italian prison for the 2007 murder of her roommate before she was ultimately cleared of all charges. a lawyer who represented her and other americans locked up abroad telling nbc news - >> these proceedings will be protracted and lengthy, and i anticipate this going on for a very long time >> reporter: tonight, the two teens remain in jail in a country mourning an officer gone too soon. >> sarah, what could be next for these teens? >> reporter: jose, they both remain in jail for now that lawyer i spoke to said we have to remember there are two different people in custody, and the facts and ultimately their fates could be very different. jose >> sarah harmon, thank you very much. >>> a tragic story here in new york and a wake-up call to parents afte 1-year-old twins were found dead in their father's car they'd been left there all day. it is just the latest heartbreaking exa

responded, gabriel christian natale-hjorth punched one officer in finnegan lee elder stabbed mario cerciello rega 8 times. mario cerciello rega had just returned to work after his honeymoon, his wife of one month in tears as long lines of people pay their respects and applauded as the hearse prepared to leave. sunday there was concern about a photo leak to the press showing gabriel christian natale-hjorth blindfolded, police say it was illegal, both teams confessed to having a role in mario cerciello rega staff. an attorney for finnegan lee elder set i can only say the investigations are underway to better understand the facts, the young boys family is upset about what happened, the american consulate trying to do the best for elders protection. fellow graduates say the teenagers were well-known. >>> he had a ton of friends at school. neither of them were necessarily disliked. a lot of people like them and were friends at them. >> reporter: one friend said she had seen him a few weeks before, he was asking about working at a local store. >> every time i talk to him he was never mean to me, he was

three confessed with to being involved in the incident that led to the fatal stabbing of officer mario rega all started during a drug deal gone bad. the two

fellow officers gathered at a church today in rome to pay their respects to deputy brigadier mario cerciello rega . she escorted her husband's coffin into the chapel. he returned from his honeymoon days before being stabbed to death. 19-year-old finnegan lee elder and 18-year-old gabriel christian natale-hjorth. it is raising alarms about how the teens are being treated. >> reporter: obviously, a huge point of discussion in mill valley. in italy, the case has touched on hot topics. the case has become an incredibly passionate one for a number of reasons. >> first is the fate of the policeman. but there's also a political issue as well. the police say that the responsibility are the people from california. there's a lot of tension in italy concerning immigration . >> reporter: it seemed to be a point of our migration from africa. while the initial round of newspapers carried the photos of the officer, the italian press attained this photo of one of the suspects in police custody. >> gabriel christian natale- hjorth has a double citizenship. >> the bureau chief says the photo itself has become a co

and mario cerciello rega was stabbed to death and just returned from his honeymoon and known for hise was a fantastic man. very generous. >> reporter: he was killed during a scuffle with the two american teenagers. fwloors italian police say confessed. it detailed how elder pulled out a knife, striking the officer multiple times and that natale-hjorth denies seeing the knife. they can be charged even if they didn't carry out the killing. and they show him blind folded sparked debate. the attorney general said the interrogation was free of duress and adding they're working with a u.s. state department which has not been granted access the americans being held in solitaire confinement has been school mates. one questioned his reputation. >> i've always known he was a bit of a bad guy. >> reporter: and the prime minister tweeted he hopes the killer off our poor mario rega -- >> reporter: and the lines continues to grow. a funeral is scheduled tomorrow in the very same church he was recently married. meanwhile the american teenagers are sitting in prison as the investigation continues. i

the victim is 35-year-old mario rega. the officer was a newlywed. da lin has the story. >> reporter: both teenage suspects graduated from tamalpais high school. both played varsity sports. the folks i talked to that know these two teenagers, they are not completely surprised. a couple of neighbors weren't too surprised about the allegation and the arrest. both suspects are 19 years old, vacationing in rome. finnigan elder. this happened on friday. the teens bought what they e wdpo the two bay area teens roughed up the seller and took his backpack. the police somehow got involved and tried to retrieve the backpack. they said that was when one of the two teens stabbed the officer eight times killing him. italian authorities said the officer had just gotten married last month and returned to work from his honeymoon. >> i have known him since he was born and i am shocked. >> reporter: most neighbors know finnegan elder as finn. he played football in sacred heart in san francisco. transferred later to tamalpais high. >> i don't see finn doing that. >> re

the officer killed was police officer mario rega.morning at the same church he was married atfáq just last mon. they say 19-year-old finnegan and 18-year-old gabriel both alumni from hereçg7ç in mill va tried to toq drugs from an italian man ripped them off in a drug deal. police officers arrived to confront these two american suspects. italian police say they w)uggled withÑi officers and that's when rega was stabbed and killed. the two bay area men ran back to the hotel, packed their bags and were ready to leave theçó count when they wereçó arrested. part of the case isn't the only investigation under way. after these picturesçó emerge showing blindfolded and happened cuffed. áalian police put outtehp statement quickly responding to this saying they distance itself from release of the photos and is carrying out investigation into the matter. both of these investigations play out, neighbors for onet( o the suspects had this to say. >> i haveñrñr never seen him violent. i have never seen him so much as push or hit anybody or yell. i

mario cerciello rega's funeral will be held on monday in the same church he was married in just last month. >> reporter: we also heard from the elder family today who said they are planning to visit rome as soon as they can visit with their son. >> we will continue to follow the latest developments on this story. be sure to go to our website or download our mobile app. that's where you will get the most up-to-date information. >>> high heat hit the bay area this weekend. some places hit triple digit temperatures. let's go to rob who will tell us about the winds bringing some cooling and fire danger, though. >> before things start to get cooler in the inland valleys, wind speed picks up. speaking of inland valleys, concord, livermore still in the upper 90s. 60s and 70s bay side and dipping into the mid-80s. this map behind me, the 24 temperature change started to turn blue as the cooling starts to kick in. you can see the wind speeds accelerating now. but that hot, dry area inland and the winds picking up. this is something we have to watch. humidity levels still at 18% in conco conco

. >> reporter: the pair confessed stabbing mario rega in a drug deal that went wrong. in a 911 call, a witness claims the suspect fled the scene saying how did they esce, on a motorbike or on foot? elders' fami el fha not spoken on him.to we plan to go ome as soon as the state department assures us we'll be able to see our son. a solemn tribute. mario tribute. a thousand shows up to pay their final suspect. his grieving widow preparing his funeral onmonday at the same church they were married last month. under italian law, anyone who participates in the killing can be charged with murder. a lot is at stakes here. >> t teens are being held from isolation and considered a flight rk because they are foreign citizens. also in italy tonight, mount aetetna is spilling a lot of la. the volcano erupts often and shooting lava and ashes. a last major eruption in 1992. >>> the next time you ask siri for help on your iphone, it may not be the only one listening in ton our conversation.e the ideand siri is that she's always there and always listening to you. and sometimes maybe thi

three confessed with to being involved in the incident that led to the fatal stabbing of officer mario rega. police say it all started during a drug deal gone bad. the two americans apparently approached with the man asking where they could buy drugs. that man led them to a dealer who police say sold them fake cocaine. the two angry allegedly going back to the scene and stealing the backpack of the man who pointed with they will to the dealer. video capturing two men running away after the theft. police say the man called with his own phone that was in the backpack and spoke to the two americans. he says they offered with him in exchange. his backpack for 100 euros and a gram of cocaine. he went to the police and ended with with the officer stabbed with eight times. the 0 two then went back to the hotel preparing to leave the country when officers moved with in. investigates say they found overwhelming evidence in the room including the supposed murder weapon cleverly concealed with behind one of the ceiling tiles and bloody clothing. at a hearing this weekend, both waived with their right

brigadier mario rega years old and his funeral at the same church where he was married one month ago. the two men recently graduated from temple pius high school. you spoke to people who knew these guys. >> news of this brutal crime has reached mill valley and graduates of temple pius high school, and you what? no one can believe it. >> i'm going to faint here. gloria keely was shaking here after hearing the news that her neighbor's son, 19-year-old finnegan elder and his friend gabriel hjorth are accused of stabbing an italian police officer to death in rome after an apparent drug deal gone wrong. >> i've known fin since he was born and he is one of the nicest neighbors i've -- i have. >> italian surveillance video shows two men believed to be elder and hjorth running away with a stolen backpack belonging to an italian citizen and they said they would not return it unless they would get 100 euros and cocaine. >> i've never seen violence from him. >> the family told us in a statement we are shocked and dismayed at the events that have been reported, but we have very little independent

confessed to stabbing an italian police officer at his funeral today, the 35-year-old officer, mario rega was hailed as a hero his memorial held in the same church where he was married just six weeks ago. police say the american teens were trying to score cocaine when a dealer sold them crushed aspirin. when they figured it out, they stole a backpack from one of the dealer's associates and commanded 100 euros and cocaine to give it back. officer rega was one of two undercover cops sent to respond. after he identified himself, officers say rega was stabbed 11 times and the suspects took off running. italian media aired this footage believed to show the suspects. it has not been verified by nbc news, but tonight officers are apologizing for this image of the teen blind folded before questioning. they say that was a mistake. nbc's sarah harmon is in rome. >> both of the teens are being held here. there is real outrage here in this country, the interior minister saying the focus should not be on that photo, but on the officer that was killed. >> reporter: elders family said they continue to g

sunday night, the coffin, the police officer mario rega was escorted from a chapel in rome. the italian police say natalie and others had stolen the backpack of a drug dealer who sold them fake drugs instead of cocaine. the two teens demanded money and a gram of cocaine from dealer who reported the theft to police. when other officers responded. police say he punched one officer and elder stabbed rega. when others responses, he punched one officer and elder stabbed rega eight times. he had just returned to work days after his honey moon. his wife of just one month in tears as long lines of people pay their respects and applauded as a hearse prepared to leave. sunday there was a concern about a photo leaked to the press, showing him blindfolded. both teens confessed to having a role in his death. an attorney for elder said on sunday, "i can only sate investigations are still underw the facts. the young boy's family is very upset about what happened. the american consulate is trying to do the best for the protection." other graduates say the teens were well known. like i remem

mourners gather in the streets in rome today to say good-bye to 35-year-old police officer mario regatside of the same church where he was married just 43 days earlier. >> as a law enforcement professional, my heart goes out to family of officer rega as well. >> reporter: mill valley police chief taking questions about 19-year-old finnegan elder and 18-year-old gabriel natale-hjorth because the two graduated from high school less than a mile from his police station last year. >> we have no contact with either of these gentleman as adults and as you well know i can't comment on whether there are any juvenile contacts whatsoever, whether we have those or not. >> reporter: but italian police say the two became tangled in a violent encounter with plain clothes officers over a drug deal gone bad and that elder stabbed rega who later died at a hospital. neighbors told me elder never showed an ounce of violence, including one woman who has known him since the day he was born. >> these happen when people have tempers but i've never seen him do one violent thing. >> reporter: natale-hjorth fam

. >> reporter: police say the pair confessed to stabbing 35-year-old officer mario rega in a drug deal gone wrong. according to court documents each blamed the other during interrogation. in a 911 call a witness claims the suspects fled the scene saying, how did they escape? on a motor bike?on foot? on foot, on foot. police will be looking at the surveillance video from friday which shows two people running re. ti lder'sfr family said they haven't sayalh him since aniti i in aca stweement, plan to go to rome as soon as the state department assures us we will be sble to our son. meanwhile, a solemn tribut the coffin of the slain officer on display in rome on sunday as thousands paid final respects. his grieving widow prepares for his funeral on mtday a the same church where they married last month. >> sarah joins us from london. what's next in the investigation? >> kate, both suspects will remain in custody until the preliminary investigation is complete. under italian la anyone who participates in ae killing can charged with murder, even if they didn't deliver the deadly blow. there's

. >> reporter: police say the pair confessed to stabbing 35-year-old officer mario rega in a drug deal gone wrong. according to court documents, each blamed the other during interrogation. in a 911 call, a witness claims the suspects fled the scene, saying, how did they escape? on a motorbike, on foot? on foot, on foot police will now be taking a closer look at this surveillance video from friday which shows two people running from the area around the time of the stabbing. elder's family says they haven't spoken with him since an initial call from the police station on july 26th, saying in a statement, we plan to go to rome as soon as the state department assures us we will be able to see our son. meanwhile,a solemn tribute the thousands showed up to pay their final respects his grieving widow prepares for his funeral on monday. both suspects will remain in custody until the preliminary investigation is complete. and under italian law, anyone who participates in a killing can be charged with murder, even if they didn't deliver the deadly blow themselves so there's a lot at stake here p

police officer mario rega was stabbed 11 times. his funeral in the same church when where he was recently married. he been investigating allegations of a cocaine deal gone wrong and attempted extortion. italy media say this is video of two suspects running from the scene. elder confessed to the killing claiming self-defense, according to a judge ruling obtained by the associated press, but this picture of 18 gabriel christian natale-hjorth blindfolded is raising questions about the treatment of the americans. the treatment condemned in italy and a police officer involved quickly moved off the case and now amanda knox speaking out. in 2007 she was forced into a confession by italian police over the killing of her friend meredith kircher and many are asking me about this case she tweeted. all i can say is i'm with holding judgment. it should be tried in a court of law, not the court of public opinion. in any case, it is tragic. my heart goes outth victim's family. the italian prosecutor saying that pictureboy's blindfolded cast a sha

officer mario rega was 35 years old and a newly wed, his funeral will take place in the very same church where he was married just over a month ago. live in mill valley, cornell barnard, abc 7 news. >> that is so sad, cornell, thank you. >>> we have been sending out push alerts about this story through the abc 7 news mobile app. it's one of the ways to stay on top of breakig news. all you have to do is download it and enable the push alert features to get those updates. >>> two bay area water polo players are recovering, after a deadly balcony collapse in south korea. two south korean men died, when the balcony collapsed inside a nightclub. at least a dozen others were hurt. former cal water polo player john hooper and current stanford student athlete ben hallick both escaped with minor injuries. they compete for the u.s. national water polo team and their team was in korea fore the world championships. >>> where the folks in santa cruz have the right idea, the beach is packed there. going further north, it is hot, and some places in the east bay hit 100 degrees. and we do have an excess

as new details emerge about his son, 19-year-old finnegan elder, who police say stabbed officer mario regaa commando knife after police were called in following a drug buy gone wrong. italian media airing this video believed to be the suspects fleeing. elder had a history of violence. his uncltold that he was involved in fight nights in a san francisco park, that three years ago finnegan was arrested after fighting a 16-year-old boy who was hospitalized with a severe head wound. r he father of the otheteen under investigation, gabriel nale hjorth visited s son in custody, in a statement saying his son is devastated, never imagined there would be a confrontation with police, and didn't know elder was carrying a knife. hjorth's father is confident his son is innocent f ilies have hired italian lawyers. lester. >> all right, richard, thank you. >>> terrifying ments caught on camera at a water park, a 10 foot wave craing down on tourists in a tsunami pool in china. 44 people were injured when a malfunction triggered the massive ll of water. >>> up next for us, inspiring america, a life in musi

infact, when i show you the video, we've shown you this all morning long. 35-year-old police officer mario rega. that funeral taking place near his home town in naples at the same church he was married at six weeks ago. they reported that the italy military chaplain said he lived and died to safeguard others. as far as what led to his death alleged by the two north bay teenagers. 19-year-old finnegan lee elder and gabriel horth tried to extort a hundred euros and drugs but when plain clothes police officers arrived to confront the suspects, they struggled with officers and that is when rega was stabbed 11 times. eventually dying from the injuries. the a.p. is reporting this morning that elder told the jue after he felt pressure on his neck. however the judge said elder did not have any marks on his neck to indicate that this happened. the judge also saying that hjorth told involves that he used a knife and then washed it. now while both teenagers remain in custody there is another investigation after these pictures emerged showing one blindfolded and handcuffed. policeis theelves from the relea

the funeral for 35-year-old mario cerciello rega will be held on monday the same church he was married in month. planning to visit ore elder to go to italy once the state department assures them they can see their son. live in mill valley, roz plater, nbc bay area news. >> thank you, roz. friends, family and fellow officers are in mourning tonight, officer rega's body was brought to a chapel where a priest said a blessing. the officer's widow escorted that casket. 35-year-old officer just got back from husband honeymoon. it was days before he was killed. >>> we're going to continue to follow the latest developments on this story. be sure to go to our website, nbcbayarea.com or download our mobile app. that way you'll get the most up to date information. >>> we're following developing news on the bay bridge now. traffic starting to move very slowly. after being backed up on the bridge. you see it there. big traffic nightmare for drivers out there. after all the lanes were shut down less than two hours ago because of some sort of police activity. it is unknown at this time why police shu

teenagers from the bay area has been laid to rest a funeral was held yesterday for 35 year old mario rega now he had just returned to work after his honeymoon when he was stabbed 19 year-old finnegan elder an 18 year-old gabriel telly your son both graduated from tell of high is high school in mill valley and 2018. so right now in jail, they being held in a row jail and the teens, they stole a backpack after they were sold some crushed aspirants instead of coast cain police were tipped off about this and they met with the pair for the backpack exchange. so investigators say that's when elders staff officer rate at a time. now to claim that he stabbed officer because he feared that he was being strangled, but the judge noted that there were no marks on his neck. both families say they've not been able to make contact with their sons. well an active shooter training drill is happening today a california high school that's in san ramon. police officers and first responders will be on campus this morning starting at around 8 o'clock this is for training. so if you're in the area abroad more d

at least one admitted to stabbing 35 years old police officer mario rega, pictured there. italian police say he was killed days after his honeymoon, stabbed eight times in a quiet rome neighborhood as he confronted the two men in connection with a theft. terry mcsweeney has the rest of the story. >> reporter: two american enagers hind bars in rome in connection with the fatal stabbing of an italian police officer. according to italian police, the teens have confessed, after they were arrested after friday in a four-star hotel in the district of rome. at this pot details are unclear but according to the police, this was a drug deal gone wrong. the officer who was killed was investigating the theft of a bag. there was a brief hearing in rome afterwards. the attorney for one of the suspects said his client was exercising his right not to answer questions in court. in addition to murder, both suspects are also being investigated for attempted extortion. in italy, much of the attention is centered on the victim. he was a 35-year-old officer named mario cerciello rega, he was a

what the next step is, we are learning more about the victim, a 35-year-old police officer named mario regareturned from his honeymoon. there's an outpouring of grief in italy. the in250er yore minister offering condolences on twitter, and his funeral is expected to be held on monday in the same church where he was just married. an absolutely heart breaking story, we're hoping to learn more in the coming hours. >> absolutely heart breaking. so sad seeing the images of him and his bride. how much does this case bring to mind the amanda knox one from years ago. >> you know, amanda knox is probably the most famous case of an american behind bars in italy. she spent four years in italian prison for the 2007 murder of her roommate meredith kercher. she was ultimately exonerated and she's now spending a lot of her time talking about the issue of wrongful accusations, she went back to italy recently with the innocence project. in this case tonight out of rome, it's just too soon to say, if as the police say these two suspects have confessed. it's a different issue. kendis, it's really early days,

. >> reporter: flowers and messages lining the street where mario cerciello rega was killed in the line of duty. one of them reading your service will not be in vain. mario was always, always, always a helpful person said a member of the carabinieri. all of us could always count on them. he was stabbed to death by by by finnegan lee elder. this is the pair reportedly moments after being detained in their hotel room. the two confessed to being involved in a violent altercation. the policeman stabbed after two people suspected of stealing a backpack from another man tried to ransom it back. they claimed it was a drug deal gone bad. the pair captured here in surveillance video. law enforcement found overwhelming evidence in the teen's hotel room, including the murder weapon, cleverly concealed behind one of the ceiling tiles and bloodstained clothing supposedly worn in the attack. their bags were packed and their flights booked. the officer will be laid to rest in the same church where he was recently married. >>> it turns out gabriel christian natale hjorth has family there and goes to vi

sunday night the coffin of mario rega was escorted from the chapel in rome, draped in the italian flaglice say they had stolen the backpack of a drug dealer who sold them fake drugs instead of cocaine. police say of cocaine from rega and other responded, police say he punched one officer and elder stabbed rega. when the other officers responded, police say natoliorth punched one officer and elder stabbed rega eight times. he had just returned to work days before after his honey moon. his wife of just one month, in tears, as long lines of people paid their respects and applauded as the first prepared to leave. sunday there was concern about a photo leaked to the press showing him blindfolded. italian authorities say that was illegal. police say both teens confessed to having a role in his death. an attorney for elder said on sunday, i could only say the investigations are still underway to better understand the facts. the young boy's family is very upset about what happened. the american consulate is trying to do the best for elder's protection. and fellow graduates say the we and neith

fellow officers joined hundreds of mourners at a church in rome to pay their respects to mario rega. his widow escorted. wilson walkeror photo that recently surfaced is raising questions about how the teen suspects are being treated. >> obviously a lot of discussion about this in mill valley. it's making headlinesro the world. in italy number of hot button issues, making it a very emotional case for a number of reasons. >> the first of course is the fate of this policeman, but also a political issue as well because the beginning, the police say responsibility of the killing. there's a lot of tension in italy concerning migration. >> reporter: it appeared to be a flash point over migration from africa, then the arrest of the two young americans from mill valley. while the initial round of newspapers carried photos of the newlywed police officer, today the italian press obtained this photo of one of the suspects in police custody. >> he's american and italian because his father is from italy. >> reporter: paolo is the u.s. bureau chief for italian newspaper. he says the photo itself ha

the mass was held in the same church mario cerciello rega was married just six weeks ago. the 35-year-old officer was stabbed to death friday all investigating the theft of a backpack and a possible drug deal. two american teens from california are under arrest for the crime. gabriel christian gabriel natale-hjorth and finnegan lee elder who police say confessed during interrogation. the arrest warrant details how elder pull out a knife, striking the officer multiple times and that gabriel natale- hjorth denies the the night. somebody can be charge for murder even if they were not want to carry out the killing. italian police are also investigating this photo showing gabriel natale-hjorth blindfold before his the italy interior minister said the only victim to cry for is the officer. city palm, cbs news, london.>> elders family told cbs news they have had no contact with their son since friday but they have been in touch with the u.s. state department. let's get a check on the weather with mary lee a bit of a cooldown today. >>> a relief from the heat. temperatures much co

the officer saw his partner mario rega. >> rega died from 11 stab wounds later at the hospital. the fatal encounter with police lasted less than four minutes. a porter spotted the teens running back after 3:00 in the morning. from video, police were able to track them back to the hotel, room 109 and court documents police say they found the murdee style knife drenched in blood hidden behind a ceiling panel. the deceased officer forgot to bring his gun that night and that fin elder brought the knife with him on the plane from the u.s. dan noise, abc7 news. >> we will stay on top of this case and so can you. you can follow dan on twitter @dan noise to stay to update on latest developments from italy. we'll have his reports throughout the week. abc7news.com as well as the abc news app. >> what's in your wallet? apparently a hacker. what you need to know about the data breach. >> and one-on-one with b.a.r.t.'s new general manager. his plans for the agency just ahead. >> i'm spencer christian in the middle of a clear and mild weather pattern. how long will it last? coming up in just

officer mario rega was buried in his hometown in naples in the same church he was married less than twoaph of one of the teen suspects shows him blindfolded while in custody, and that is raising questions about how italian police have handled their arrests. we go live to rome, tracking the latest developments. we're set to hear from some of the prosecutors shortly. >> reporter: that's right. we're waiting for a briefing to start, and this will be the first official word from the carabinieri police. two of the things we're going to be listening for in this police report, our description of the knife. we understand it was a 7-inch military style knife. the police have told us that finnegan elder, one of the suspects, the 19-year-old, said it belonged to him when it was shown to him during the interrogation. the other thing that is vitally important is whether or not the american suspects knew that they were being confronted by police officers. they say they do not. the police say they identified themselves as carabinieri, which is an arm of the police here. it is unclear whether the ameri

release and dis-clowe sewer of photos of restricted people for the murder of deputy brigade mario cerciello rega. the provincial command of rome is carrying out investigations with the utmost timeliness in order to identify

. ♪ ♪ in the same church where he was married just over a month ago, 35-year-old officer mario rega wasd to rest. hailed as a national hero with politicians attending the funeral, the site where he died is now covered with flowers. the nudly we had officer bled to death, stabbed 11times police reports show. security footage show suspects fleeing the scene. documents identified by local media saying the murder weapon was a 7 inch long serrated knife similar to ones used by u.s. marines. police say americans gave natale and 19-year-old elder responsible. the two men are from the bay area, both recently graduated from tamalpais high in 2018. she is one of the neighbors. >> i'm in shock. he's the nicest guy, one of the nicest neighbors i have. >> reporter: in a recorded confession, police say elder admitted to stealing a back pack and allege a drug deal gone wrong. today they are sitting in this italian prison as they investigate this photo showing one of the teens blind folded and handcuffed before being questioned. police admitted it was a mistake to cover his eyes. blind folding a suspec

the officer killed was police officer mario rega, taking place at the same church he was married at lastonth. the latest info we get from italian authorities, they say 19-year-old finnegan lee elder and 18-year-old gabriel hjorth, alumni from tamalpais tried to extort 100 euros and a gram of cocaine from an italian man they claimed ripped them off in a drug deal. plain clothed police officers arrived at this drop-off site to confront the two suspects, italian police say they struggled with officers when rega was stabbed and killed. police say the two bay area men apparently ran back to their hotel, packed their bags and were ready to leave the country before they were arrested. but this isn't the only investigation that's under way. look at pictures emerging showing hjorth blind-folded and handcuffed while being interrogated by police in italy. italian police quickly responding to the pictures saying they distance themselves from the release and disclosure from the photos and carrying out an investigation as we speak into this matter. now as both of these investigations play out, neighbo

. >>> the officer who was killed, 35-year-old mario cerciello rega , was married just over a month ago, he was known for his charitable work with the homeless. 's family says the funeral will be held in the same church he was married in back in june. >>> we spoke to his neighbor, who says she cannot believe he would be accused of such a crime. >> the whole neighborhood is devastated right now because we cannot really believe that -- i am hoping that something comes up, i cannot picture them he has always been very kind and thoughtful to me. >> the family home is in the city 's sun set district, a sign was placed on the front door, asking for privacy. >>> a return to our weather on this saturday, we're taking a live look east towards contra costa county, a view of mt. diablo, and a heat advisory is in effect for regions like the inner east bay and parts of the south bay. >> that advisory went into effect at 11:00 this morning, and it aspires tomorrow night, we have a look at the temperatures. mark? >>> we were advertising triple digit heat, that happened across the bay area. inland heat

officer here is the funeral for him yesterday he was stabbed to death this 35 years old his name mario regaand was very just 6 weeks before he was stabbed on the job and here the 2 high school is for marine county that are being held in italy now accused of this murder 19 year-old finnegan elder an 18 year-old gabriel, natalie, your earth. they graduated from tamil pious high in mill valley in 2018 there and in a jail now in rome. apparently it was sparked by a drug deal gone wrong. they got fake drugs everybody took off and scattered because the cops were called in the teens took off with the back. and a pit and a cell phone and apparently called that another number from that phone and said you know give us the drugs and we'll get you back this backpack and these off-duty police sorry plainclothes police showed up to the hotel room and that's when the violence the investigators say that it was elder who stabbed the officer, multiple times. he says elder says he stabbed the officers because he was afraid that he was being strangled. and the judge noted that there were no and all marks on hi

. >> reporter: mourners lined up to pay respects today to vice brigadier mario cerciello rega who wastabbed to death while on duty friday. he'd just returned from his honeymoon, and was known for his charity work. >> he was a fantastic man, very generous. >> reporter: the carabineiri police officer was killed during a scuffle with the two american teenagers, finnegan lee elder tad gabriel christian natale- sayth, who italian police say confessed. the arrest warrant details how elder pulled out a knife, striking the officer multiple e mes. and that natale-hjorth denies seeing the knife. but, in italy, someone involveda it, en if theye indfolat the carabineirirth stn sparked deod and the elder family said they have not spoken with their son since friday, adding in a statement, they're working with the u.s. state department, which has not been granted access to finn. the americans, who are being held at a rome prison in solitary confinement, had been schoolmates. h'e student there questioned 'vtale-hjorth's reputation. >> i've kind of always know that b's a bit of a bad guy. >> reporter:

thousands turning out to honour mario cerciello rega in the same church where he married just a month ago. and tonight, new details of how the crime allege gli unfolded. police say 18-year-old gabe natale-hjorth and 19-year-old finnegan elder from california confessed to stealing a backpack in a drug deal gone bad. when the teens allegedly demanded money and drugs for its return, the owner phoned the police. "someone stole my bag," he tells police. "i called these guys and they asked for a money ransom." police say this is the pair seen here running from the scene after they stole the bag. later, at the lhotel, two plainclothes officers arrived and identified themselves. that's when a fight broke out and elder allegedly stabbed cerciello rega 11 times. later, trying to claim it was in self-defense. natale-hjort, seen here blindfolded after his arrest, police later calling that a mistake. tonight, elder's family says they'll soon head to rome, adding their hearts go out to the family and friends of the dead officer. david, it could now take up for to a year for the pair to be formally

mario cerciello rega, a 35—year—old officer with the carabinieri, was repeatedly stabbed early on fridayealing a bag. according to police, 19—year—old finnegan lee elder admitted to killing the officer with a knife, while a second man is accused of being an accomplice to aggravated homicide. lee elder‘s lawyer spoke to the media on saturday. translation: obviously he exercised his right not to answer questions. he was emotionally upset, but let me say that given the circumstances it does not seem appropriate to continue with the interviews, also because a policeman died, and also out of respect, especially for his family, i would and the interview here. human rights groups have called on the international community to intervene in the case of saudi dissident salman al—0uda, who they say is facing the immediate threat of execution. the reformist cleric was arrested in 2017 under terrorism related charges — a move described by his family and amnesty international as ‘politically motivated'. the trial is set to resume on sunday after a 6—month postponement, with saudi authorities yet to rev

reporter: a tribute to the slain officer has been growing today on the rome street corner where mario cerciello rega, a ff-year-old newlywed and officer for the carabinieri police force was stabbed to death. the 19-year-old american suspects, who police say confessed, are being held inside the regina coeli prison. "i found he was stressed, that's for sure," finnegan lee elder's lawyer said, "but i don't think er's appropriate to do iaterviews." rvis all started early friday morning when italian police say the americans stole a backpacki, which include his cell phone. the man called the phone, and the americans demanded a gram of cocaine and 100 euros to give the bag back. they set up a meeting point here, and the italian men timid off the carabinieri, who showed up in plain clothes. a scuffle ensued, and the carabinieri officer was stabbed to death. police said they reviewed surveillance video to track down the suspects. local media published this, which purportedly shows the icericans, though the carabinieri would not confirm the video. the carabinieri identified the americans and found them here a

rrried just weeks ago, and there was not enough room inside for the thousands who came to riurn mario cerciello regase murder of this police officer has shaken italy and especially those here in his hometown where he was known for his charity work. police say the two american teenagers, finnegan lee elder and gabriel christian natale- edorth, confessed after being identified on surveillance video. iais circulating in italian stdia purportedly shows the teens who stole a backpack after nying to buy drugs. later the same night they werep. tudicial documents released today reveal that elder admitted to stabbing cerciello rega because he says he was being strangled, though the judge notes there were no signs of strangulation. gatale-hjorth says he did not realize elder had a knife, but the judge did not buy that, toncluding the weapon is just too big, and adding both are involved in the murder. this photo of natale-hjorth blindfolded raised questions about the validity of his confession, though rome's sitorney general says the interrogation was free of duress. the teen's lawyer is demanding gnswers and

natale and 19-year-old finnegan elder from california confessing to the stabbing of officer mario cerciello rega after a drug deal gone bad. the pair allegedly stole a backpack from this spot, later demanding cash and cocaine for its return. they were spotted on surveillance running away, but when police finally confronted them, it allegedly turned violent. today, the prosecutors saying elder claimed he was thrown to the ground and didn't know the men were police, and he started stabbing. the surviving officer insisted they identified themselves as police and showed badges. he says his partner fell to the ground crying, "they stabbed me." tonight, a close family member confirming to abc news that finnegan elder was arrested in 2016 for being involved in a prearranged fight at a party, but insisting he doesn't have a criminal record. david? >> ian pannell in italy. ian, thank you. >>> back here now, the president's nominee to be the nation's number two military officer defending himself against allegations of sexual misconduct. air force general john hyten telling a senate panel, quote, nothing h

mario cerciello rega a 35—year—old officer with the carabinieri, was repeatedly stabbed early on fridaypeople suspected of stealing a bag. according to police, 19—year—old finnegan lee elder admitted to killing the officer with a knife, while a second man is accused of being an accomplice to aggravated homicide. the prosecutor's office in sudan says at least eight military officers will be charged with crimes against humanity over last month's killing of pro—democracy demonstrators. it happened when paramilitary forces fired on demonstrators outside the army headquarters in the capital, khartoum. doctors linked to the opposition say the dead numbered almost 130, but fath al—rahman saeed, the head of the official committee investigating the massacre, claimed the total was 87, as he described the moment the killings took place. translation: it was discovered by the committee that there were two anonymous people. they were also three anonymous people shooting live ammunition at protesters from the top of the building in the medical compound, wearing uniform. you're watching bbc news. in an

married just weeks ago and there was not enough room inside for the thousands who came to mourn mario cerciello regaurder of this police officer has shaken italy and especially those here in his hometown where he was known for his charity work. >> reporter: police say the two american teenagers, finnegan lee elder and gabriel christian natale hjorth confessed after being identified on surveillance video. this shows the teens who stole a backpack after trying to buy drugs. later the same night they were confronted by carabinieri police officers in plain clothes. elder admitted to stabbing him because he says he was being strangled, though the judge notes there were no signs of strangulation. natale hjorth says he did not realize elder had a knife, but the judge did not buy that, concluding the weapon is just too big and adding both are involved in the murder. this photo of natale hjorth blindfolded raised questions about the validity of his confor example. though rome's attorney general says the interrogation was free of duress. >>> the chinese government is ma blaming western interference for the re

brigadier mario cerciello rega was 35 years old, a newlywed. on monday, his funeral will take place at the same church where he was married just over a month ago. tonight, the family of one of suspects issued a statement, "we are shocked and dismayed at the events that have been reported." adding, "we have not been able to have any communication with our son." in the bay area one of the suspect's neighbors said this. >> i've known finn since he was born and i'm in shock. he's one of the nicest neighbors i have. >> the accusations definitely shocking. david wright joins us now. david, the two are being charged with aggravated murder and attempted extortion? >> reporter: that's right, tom. a conviction could mean life in prison. but a note of caution. there have been murder cases before in recent memory in italy that seemed at first open and shut, but turned out later to have lots of questions. tom? >> we have definitely seen that before. david, thank you. >>> next the deadly accident in a packed nightclub overseas leaving several americans injur

mar mario cerciello rega was stabbed to death friday night in rome. could face prison if convicted. seth doane is there. seth, what's the mood there? >> reporter: mourners have filled the streets there and only adding to the emotion of this day is that the officer who was killed was married in this very same church just about a month and a half ago. the church was not big enough for the crowd gathered today for the funeral of mario cerciello rega, a police officer. he was established to death on a rome street. italian law enforcement says the two american teenagers, finnegan lee elder and gabrielle christian natale-hjorth con confessed to being involved. this starts when the americans stole a man's backpack which included the cellphone. he called the cellphone and the americans demanded a gram of cocaine and a hundred euro. natale-hjorth says he did not see the knife but he can be charged. they were students in the bay area and the teachers and students said they were troubled and had issues. a blindfold caused question about the dream of the teens. r