Transsexual In Italian Political Scandal Murdered

By REUTERS
Published: November 20, 2009

http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/11/20/world/international-uk-italy-scandal-transexual.html?_r=1

ROME (Reuters) - A Brazilian transsexual caught up in a scandal which prompted the resignation of a senior Italian politician -- the centre-left governor of Lazio region, which includes Rome -- was found burnt to death in his home Friday. Police found a body following a fire in a basement flat in a neighbourhood frequented by transsexual prostitutes and court sources said magistrates were treating the death as murder.

Forensic tests were expected to identify the remains as those of a transsexual known only as Brenda, police said.

Brenda and another Brazilian transsexual were at the centre of a case involving the blackmail of former Lazio Governor Piero Marrazzo by four police officers who secretly filmed him having sex and taking drugs with one of the transsexuals.