NYC Man Charged With Killing His Elderly Mom In Florida
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Francis Riccio |
BROOKLYN, New York -- 45-year-old Francis Riccio has been arrested in New York and charged with the homicide of his mother, 70-year-old
Maureen Riccio, whose remains were discovered in Micco, Florida on May 14, 2013.
Francis Riccio was arrested early this morning on a
warrant charging him with First Degree Premeditated Murder and Abuse of a Dead
Human Body. The Brevard County State Attorney’s Office is currently working with
authorities in New York to arrange for extradition back to Brevard County.
The investigation began on May 14, 2013 when skeletal remains were
discovered by a maintenance employee during a service call to the cellular tower
located on Willowbrook Road in Micco. The employee stopped along the roadway,
whereupon he observed what he at first believed was an animal carcass decomposing
in the drainage ditch. He immediately notified the Sheriff’s Office who responded
and determined that the remains were human. Investigators processed an extensive
crime scene, excavating the skeletal remains along with other items of suspected
evidence.
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Maureen Riccio |
As the agents awaited the results of the autopsy, efforts were made to identify the
victim who had been dismembered, placed in refuse bags and dumped in a swampy
drainage area. The autopsy conducted by the Medical Examiner concluded that the
victim died as a result of blunt force trauma and classified the death as a homicide.
Identification of the victim was eventually accomplished, and the investigation
determined that Maureen Riccio, who is a native of New York, moved to Brevard County,
Florida in late 2012.
Her last known address was located at 319 Patrick Circle,
Melbourne, which she shared with her son, an adult female, and three children. Based
on the evidence, the agents believe she was killed in late March at the
residence and then transported to the secluded area. Investigators say that the family then abruptly
moved from the residence in early April, and allegedly told their neighbors and the landlord that they
needed to return to New York due to a death in the family.
Homicide Agents were able to determine that the suspect had moved to New York
and traveled there this week to further investigate the incident. The Agents
coordinated efforts with Homicide Detectives from NYPD Brooklyn. Investigators say that they
determined that Francis Riccio killed his mother during a violent argument. He allegedly bludgeoned his mother to death in a residence bedroom. After the death, investigators say that Riccio purchased
tools and cleaning items at a local store and then dismembered and transported the remains
away from the death scene.
“The Crime Scene Investigators and Agents did an exceptional job
in this case," Sheriff Wayne Ivey said. "Homicide investigations are very time and resource consuming. This particular
case presented very unique challenges that were literally buried to avoid detection and victim
identification. The agents methodically identified the facts and followed the evidence across
our county and ultimately the country. I’m very proud of our team and their incredible efforts
to bring closure and justice to this horrific crime.”
The investigation is ongoing with the possibility of additional charges. Anyone with information about the investigation is urged to call the Brevard County Sheriff’s
Office Homicide Unit at 321-633-8413 or CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).
All calls to
CRIMELINE are confidential, and callers can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward for
information leading to an arrest.