[IC] Il Quotidiano

DEPUTY MARTA RUSSO FOUND DEAD
Maurizio Lori

Officers from the Polizia di Stato outside the hotel room where Russo was found

Suderia. Officers from the Tornovan Polizia di Stato found the body of Marta Russo in a hotel in the outskirts of Suderia.

Originally found by the hotel manager, who had been inspecting unoccupied rooms, the Polizia di Stato soon established a perimeter and began collecting evidence and seeking witness statements. It is currently unknown how Russo died, though sources close to the Polizia say the investigation is being treated like a homicide until evidence to the contrary emerges. Claudio Lamini, manager of the hotel where Russo was found, indicated that she had initially looked like a sleeping guest, and it was not until he noticed a distinct smell that he noticed she was deceased. It was then that he locked the room and called the Polizia.

Marta Russo was serving her third consecutive term in the Tornova Chamber of Deputies and was the highly influential Secretary of the Alliance for Sustainable Development. She was best known for leading multiple campaigns in support of incumbent governor Marco Gennizio and being his strongest supporter in the Chamber of Deputies.

Governor Gennizio and the Alliance for Sustainable Development are yet to issue any official statements, though the former's office has said a statement will be issued this morning. Alberto Marino, Tornovan Coordinator of the Partito Conservatore, did express his distress over the death of his counterpart and offered his condolences to her family. He also praised her record in defence of democratic progress and expressed the hope that others would continue with her legacy.