In a recent development, an appeals court in Italy has upheld the convictions of Lee Elder Finnegan and Gabriele Natale-Hjorth, two American men involved in the killing of an Italian police officer during a drug deal gone wrong in Rome back in 2019. However, the court has decided to reduce their sentences.

Finnegan and Natale-Hjorth were initially convicted of the crime but had their convictions thrown out by Italy's high court in March. Following a retrial, the appeals court has now reaffirmed their guilt. Finnegan has been sentenced to 15 years and two months in prison, while Natale-Hjorth has been given a sentence of 11 years and four months, accompanied by an $863 fine.

The incident took place on July 26, 2019, when Finnegan, 18 years old at the time, and Natale-Hjorth, 19 years old, arranged to meet a small-time drug dealer in Rome to retrieve money they had paid for cocaine they never received. Unbeknownst to them, the drug dealer was actually a police informant who called for backup.

Tragically, Carabinieri Vice Brigadier Mario Cerciello Rega, who had recently returned from his honeymoon, became involved in the confrontation. Rega was stabbed 11 times using a knife brought from Finnegan and Natale-Hjorth's hotel room. The officer's death sent shockwaves throughout the nation, mourning the loss of a dedicated law enforcement hero.

The appeals court's decision to uphold the convictions was based on the fact that it had not been proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Finnegan and Natale-Hjorth, who had limited Italian language skills, were aware they were dealing with Italian police officers during the encounter. The defense argued that the defendants were unaware they were facing law enforcement at the time and reiterated this during the retrial.

While the convictions have been upheld, the reduction in sentences indicates a degree of leniency from the court. This verdict serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in illegal activities abroad and the importance of understanding local laws and authorities in a foreign country.

As Finnegan and Natale-Hjorth prepare to serve their respective sentences, the case continues to captivate international attention, highlighting the tragic loss of life and the gravity of the situation.