Arrest made in death of UW student in Rome
ROME, Italy (WBAY) – Police in Rome have made an arrest in the death of a UW-Madison student.
Police identified the suspect as Massimo Galioto, a 40-year-old homeless man from Rome. In a statement Tuesday, police said he was taken into custody because he was “seriously implicated” in the murder. They gave no specific details.
The body of Beau Solomon, 19, was found in the Tiber River. Solomon had just arrived in Italy to study abroad at John Cabot University.
Both schools released statements on Friday.
“All of us at UW-Madison are greatly saddened by this loss. Beau was a bright and caring young man who lived the Wisconsin Idea through his work at Badger Boys State and his desire to travel and experience other cultures. Our hearts go out to Beau’s family and friends at this difficult time. UW-Madison is working with John Cabot University and with American and Italian authorities to assist Beau’s family and to support the investigation into his death.” – Chancellor Rebecca Blank.
“John Cabot University is deeply saddened to announce that the body of Beau Solomon, the missing American visiting student, has been found in the Tiber River. We express our most heartfelt condolences to the Solomon family and to all those who loved Beau.” – John Cabot University
The Spring Green native was last seen late Thursday night at a bar with students, according to a report from WKOW in Madison.
He was due to attend John Cabot orientation Friday morning. Solomon’s roommate reported Beau missing when he failed to turn up.
On Friday, Solomon’s family discovered $1,500 in charges had been made to Beau’s credit card.Solomon’s brother Cole told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Beau suffered a wound to his head and he had blood on his shirt.
UW-Madison officials say there is no “broader risk” to students in Rome. The school says other UW-Madison students taking part in the John Cabot study abroad “are safe and accounted for.”
Counseling will be available at University Health Services on the UW campus.
Solomon had just finished his freshman year at UW-Madison. He was majoring in Personal Finance.
Cole Solomon told WKOW that Beau suffered from a rare form of cancer when he was a child.
“He had over 15 to 20 procedures growing up throughout his life and was able to overcome all of that and still became a phenomenal high school athlete,” Cole Solomon said.
Beau Solomon was an all-conference quarterback at River Valley High School.
