Samuel Spinelli died in Barcelona, the family's anger: "Blocked on the ground for 40 minutes, he was full of bruises: a torture"

Samuele Spinelli, a 28-year-old man from Florence, died in Barcelona after being detained by Spanish police on May 29. His family has expressed outrage over the circumstances surrounding his death, alleging that he was restrained for nearly 40 minutes while suffering visible injuries. The incident has prompted investigations in both Rome and Barcelona, with prosecutors opening a case into his death. According to medical reports, traces of amphetamines were found in Spinelli’s blood, though his family disputes this claim and insists he did not use drugs. Spinelli had traveled to Barcelona to record a hip-hop album and shoot related music videos. Prior to this, he had worked as a butler in luxury residences in London, the United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan, later managing luxury villas in Florence. On May 29, he called his mother, telling her he was at the beach and appeared calm. Later that afternoon, around 6:30 p.m., surveillance footage shows him running into a shop in the city center. He appears disoriented and agitated. Shortly afterward, two women and a man appear behind him, followed by three private security officers. Spinelli is then taken into a small room, where the entire sequence is captured on camera. According to the family, who have viewed the footage, Spinelli was held face-down by seven individuals, police officers, security personnel, and men in civilian clothes, for approximately one hour and sixteen minutes. During this time, he struggled against the restraint. At some point, someone sits on top of him to subdue him, and according to his lawyer, Diego Capano, Spinelli’s wrists and ankles were secured with cuffs. Medical staff arrived and administered a sedative, but shortly thereafter, Spinelli suffered cardiac arrest. Following the footage, the officers removed the cuffs, turned him onto his back, and attempted to revive him using adrenaline injections. After 20 minutes of unsuccessful efforts, Spinelli was placed on a stretcher and transported to the hospital. His parents were notified the following day but arrived to find their son “unrecognizable.” He passed away the next day, June 1, and was eventually buried in Florence. His father, Claudio Spinelli, stated that they can now begin uncovering the truth about what happened in Barcelona to give his son the justice he deserves. He emphasized that they are not seeking revenge but want the truth to emerge. Peter Rossi, Spinelli’s cousin, described the treatment as degrading, stating that Spinelli needed help during his confused state, not mistreatment. He claimed Spinelli was covered in bruises and scratches and insisted he did not use drugs. Rossi accused those present of helping Spinelli die rather than assisting him. Following the family's allegations, two separate investigations have been launched, one in Rome and another in Barcelona, both targeting unknown suspects. Two autopsies have already been conducted, and results are pending. According to medical records, the doctors who treated Spinelli noted that he was cyanotic and had taken amphetamines, but external examination revealed visible marks on his body. The family continues to demand clarity and accountability for the events leading to Spinelli’s death.