CATANZARO, Italy – A notorious Italian mobster serving a life sentence in a Calabrian prison has taken an unexpected path to redemption – by earning a sociology degree with a thesis in which he confesses to three unsolved murders.
Catello Romano, 33, wrote a 170-page autobiographical paper, titled “Criminal Fascination,” detailing his life of crime and admitting to the killings. Despite his violent past and incarceration, he managed to graduate magnum cum laude with his astonishing academic achievement.
The criminals efforts, however, has now drawn the attention of prosecutors, who are considering reopening the cases. This has led to Romano being transferred to a maximum-security prison in Padua, according to reports.
Romano’s remarkable academic journey has garnered praise from his thesis advisor, a university professor and sociologist. The professor described Romano as a “brilliant student” and commended his detailed recount of the circumstances, which he was determined to expose in his thesis.
The thesis, which delves into Romano’s non-criminal family history and reflects on his upbringing on the margins of society, ultimately aims to contribute to the understanding of the criminal phenomenon and its potential prevention.
Through detailed reflections and admissions, Romano’s thesis paints a vivid picture of a life filled with crime, violence, and the allure of the mafia as an attractive family institution, especially for those who have known only misery and negativity since their childhood.
Despite the violent nature of the crimes he confessed to, Romano’s unusual story of rehabilitation through academic achievement is a unique case that raises questions about the true value of education and the potential for change, even in the most unlikely of circumstances.
In conclusion, Romano’s academic journey behind bars is a testament to the unexpected turns life can take, and the potential for growth and transformation, even in the darkest of places. His detailed confessions and reflections provide a unique insight into the psychology of criminals and the underlying factors that lead them down a path of violence and crime.