1966 Press Photo Filippo Melodia talks with attorney Pagusa from Trapani jail

Filippo Melodia, 23-year-old son of a wealthy family, shown talking with his attorney Mr. Pagusa, right, while behind bars in Trapani, Italy, was today convicted of kidnapping and raping the reluctant girl he wanted to marry. Court sentenced Melodia to 11 years in prison for carrying off Franca Viola, 18. His act was part of an old Sicilian tradition of convincing a girl to marry. Had she said yes, the charges against Melodia would have been dropped. She refused.

Photo is dated 1966.

Photo measures 9.25 x 8 inches.