A Brevard County man who bludgeoned his mother to death then dismembered her body and buried it in a secluded area, was today arrested in New York, Brevard County deputies said.
Investigators took Francis Riccio, 45, into custody early this morning and charged him with first degree premeditated murder of his mother, Maureen Riccio, 70. He has also been charged with abuse of a dead human body.
Maureen Riccio’s remains were found by a maintenance worker during a service call to the cellular tower located on Willowbrook Road in Micco, on May 14. He at first believed it was an animal carcass decomposing in the drainage ditch where he at stopped at the side of the road, investigators said.
Investigators processed an extensive crime scene, excavating the skeletal remains along with other items of suspected evidence. The victim who had been dismembered was placed in refuse bags and dumped in a swampy drainage area.
Maureen Riccio, who subsequently was positively identified, was a native of New York and had moved to Brevard County Florida in late 2012. Her last known address was located at 319 Patrick Circle, Melbourne, which she shared with her son, Frank Riccio, an adult female and three children.
Investigators say, Francis Riccio killed his mother during a violent argument inside a bedroom of the residence. He then purchased tools and cleaning items at a local store, dismembered her body and transported the remains away from the death scene.
Based on the evidence, investigators believe Maureen Riccio was killed in late March at the residence and then transported to the secluded area. The family then abruptly moved from the residence in early April, advising neighbors and the landlord that they needed to return to New York due to a death in the family.
The Brevard County State Attorney’s Office is currently working with authorities in New York to arrange for Riccio’s extradition back to Brevard County.
The investigation is ongoing with the possibility of additional charges, deputies said.
