The trial of a man accused of killing a young Belgian TikTok star began yesterday in Liège, Belga News Agency reported.
Pietro Randazzo, 33, from Liège, is accused of killing his stepson Luca Pisciotto and attempting to murder his ex-partner, Madeleine, Pisciotto’s mother.
Pisciotto died on 2 February 2022, after being stabbed several times during an altercation in Jupille.
On the day of the incident, Pisciotto received a message from his mother saying she was in danger. Her ex-partner Randazzo had reportedly followed her home, then locked himself in a room where he allegedly tried to strangle her.
The couple had separated in October 2021, but in the months that followed, Randazzo began a campaign of harassment against his ex.
When Pisciotto heard his mother was in danger, he went to the family home to try to help her. There, he encountered Randazzo, and the two men got into an altercation.
The accused then allegedly stabbed Pisciotto five times, but nobody witnessed the attack. Randazzo initially claimed that he had been attacked and was simply defending himself from Pisciotto.
Who was Luca Pisciotto?
Luca Pisciotto was known on social networks and particularly on TikTok under the pseudonym Luca Itvai. He had 1.6 million subscribers and almost 36 million “likes” for his videos, which featured jokes and dance choreography.
A few days after the young man’s death, a 'white march' of over 400 people took place through the streets of Liège. Many of the Pisciotto’s fans were present and he became a symbol of the fight against violence against women.
The opening of the trial
Following the reading of the indictment yesterday by public prosecutor Fabienne Bernard, the defence delivered a brief statement.
The defendant's lawyers warned jurors against showing prejudice while clarifying their role during the trial.
“It is appropriate to form an opinion with all the elements that will be presented to you before deciding on guilt,” said attorney Adrien Croisier to the jury.
“We have refused to express ourselves in the media since the beginning of the proceedings. Beware of truths established outside this courtroom. The truth will have to be established by you.”
