Police partner at Americans' murder trial recounts knifing An Italian police officer has testified at the murder trial of two Americans about trying in vain to stop blood pouring out like a “fountain” from his partner who was fatally stabbed last summer in RomeROME -- An Italian police officer testified Wednesday at the murder trial of two Americans about trying in vain to stop blood pouring out like a “fountain” from his partner who was fatally stabbed last summer on a Rome street. Prosecutors allege that Elder stabbed Cerciello 11 times and that Natale-Hjorth hid the murder weapon, a military-style attack knife that Elder allegedly brought in a suitcase from the United States. Cerciello’s partner, Andrea Varriale, testified that the two officers were dispatched on a pre-dawn mission to retrieve the bag. The defense has insisted the Americans didn't realize the two were police officers and didn't see any badges. “I saw the blood coming out like a fountain to the ground," and Cerciello was having a hard time breathing," the partner testified.

Source: ABC News July 15, 2020 14:48 UTC