Woman admits killing her three children

Theresa Riggi

Theresa Riggi stabbed her eight-year-old twins Austin and Luke and their five-year-old sister Cecilia at their home in the city.

Their bodies were discovered following a suspected gas explosion in August last year at the townhouse they shared with Riggi, originally from the States, in the capital's Slateford Road.

At the city's High Court today, Riggi, 47, entered a plea of guilty to the culpable homicide of her three children on the grounds of diminished responsibility. She had originally been charged with murder.

Riggi originally faced three charges of murder but admitted the lesser charges during a hearing this morning.

Prosecutors had alleged that Cecilia and the twins, who were also known as Augustino and Gianluca, were repeatedly struck on the body with a knife or knives between August 2 and 4 last year.

She was also accused of recklessly causing a gas explosion.

The family had moved to the city from Skene, Aberdeenshire, following the breakdown of Riggi's marriage to the children's father, Pasquale Riggi.

Following their deaths, the oil engineer said he was "paralysed with grief".

Emergency services were called to the modern townhouse following an explosion on August 4.

Riggi was found badly injured after apparently falling from a second-floor balcony and the children's bodies were discovered inside.

She was arrested in connection with the children's deaths after post-mortem examinations, and a specially-convened court was held inside Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, where she was being treated.

She was later transferred to Cornton Vale Prison for women, near Stirling.

The funeral of the three children was held at the end of August at St Mary's Cathedral in Aberdeen, the city where the youngsters lived until shortly before their deaths.

Riggi and her husband were involved in a legal action over the children at the Court of Session in Edinburgh at the time of the tragedy.

Alex Prentice QC, prosecuting, told the court that building manager Derek Knight discovered the bodies of the three children following the explosion at the property.

Mr Knight had been at the townhouses when he heard a loud explosion at about 3pm and witnessed smoke coming from the second-floor balcony doors.

The court heard that he opened the garage door and turned off the gas.

Mr Knight returned to see Riggi on the second-floor balcony "screaming loudly". He noticed she had two cuts on her neck and watched as she climbed on to the railings.

The court was told that, while neighbour Jordan Cochrane urged Riggi not to jump, Mr Knight made his way upstairs to the property where, after forcing entry, he found the bodies of the three children.

Mr Prentice went on to describe how Mr Knight stepped over the bodies, opened the curtains, and saw Riggi lying on the ground.

Neighbour Mr Cochrane saw Riggi climb on to the railings of the balcony and remain there for about a minute, rocking backwards and forwards.

As he tried to persuade her not to jump, she intentionally fell head first, the court heard.

Mr Cochrane attempted to catch her and push her on to the bonnet of a nearby car to break her fall, and both fell to the ground.

Witness Rabah Alharbi, who also heard the explosion, ran outside and saw Riggi shouting and screaming something like "I can't believe this has happened to me", Mr Prentice said.

Mr Prentice told the court Riggi had been involved in legal proceedings with her husband over access rights to their children prior to the incident.

The court heard that Riggi spoke to her husband on the phone at about 11.30pm on August 2.

Mr Prentice said she accused him of being in collusion with their solicitors and asked if he would take the children away.

On being told she "left him no choice", Riggi replied "Say goodbye then" and hung up, the court heard.

A statement issued by Victim Support Scotland on behalf of Mr Riggi, said: "The loss of my three beautiful children has been an overwhelming tragedy.

"Nothing can be said at this or any other time which can mitigate what has happened. I and my extended family loved Austin, Luke and Cecilia dearly and they will live in our minds and hearts forever.

"I don't know what lies ahead but wherever life takes me, my friends and family, it will be with the memory of a dreadful loss and with gratitude for all the good times spent with Austin, Luke and Cecilia.

"My family and I wish to thank all those who provided and continue to provide tremendous support.

"My intention now is to move on, which will not be an easy task.

"I request that, after today, the media give me and my family the privacy to do so."