Counselling for family as mum charged with murder

THE family of three young children found dead in a city townhouse are receiving counselling from their local church after police arrested and charged their mother with their murders.

A petition warrant was granted yesterday against Theresa Riggi, 46, and late last night she was arrested and charged with murder.

Today Mrs Riggi was still being treated at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary after apparently jumping from a balcony and she will not appear in court until her condition improves.

Her family in California were receiving counselling from local church members as they grieved for twin eight-year-old boys Augustino, known as Austin, and Gianluca, known as Luke, and five-year-old girl Cecilia.

A family member said: "We are very, very sad and in grieving for the tragic loss we have had."

Detectives said yesterday afternoon they were still waiting to speak to Mrs Riggi for the first time. Post-mortem examinations were completed yesterday and detectives handed over a report to the procurator fiscal.

A Crown Office spokesman said: "We can confirm that the procurator fiscal at Edinburgh has received a report concerning a 46-year-old woman in connection with an incident in Edinburgh on August 4. The report is under consideration."

The move came after the children's father, Pasquale, 46, gave an emotional tribute to the youngsters.

Mr Riggi has been helping police piece together events and said in a statement: "Our family is struggling to come to terms with the immense and tragic loss of three beautiful children. Thanks to all who have offered such great comfort and support."

This morning the Slateford Road flat where the children were found remained cordoned off while forensic examinations continued within the home. More than 30 floral tributes and half-a-dozen teddy bears had been left.

One tribute at the scene read: "Rest in Peace Angels. The gate of heaven opened up and let three angels in. God was there with open arms to keep you safe and warm. I never knew you but I loved you."

And another from a local family read: "To Luca, Austin and Cecilia. You have been here too short a time. The Angels are looking after you now. Love the Redpaths, a local family."The children were discovered on Wednesday afternoon after reports of a gas explosion.A police spokesman said that the post-mortems had "been concluded and a report has been submitted to the fiscal".

He added: "A petition warrant has been granted in connection with this incident proceedings are now active."

Scottish politicians have called for an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Labour's Community Safety spokesman James Kelly said: "This is a tragic event and one that has shocked Scotland. The police will need time to complete their work but then there will need to be a full investigation into the events surrounding this case.

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the children at this time."

The youngsters were at the centre of a custody battle, which was suspended yesterday.

Mrs Riggi was believed to be a violinist who also taught music to beginners, as well as running a video production company in Denver, Colorado.

Her husband, originally from Colorado, has worked for Shell since 1987 and has been in Aberdeen for a number of years.