Essex murder case: Calogero Ricotta, 64, killed his wife and stepson in a jealous rage after refusing to let her go

A jealous and controlling husband who refused to accept his wife’s decision to leave him has been sentenced to life in prison after brutally stabbing her and her son to death in their Essex home.

Calogero Ricotta, 64, murdered his 54-year-old wife, Maria Nugara, and her 29-year-old son, Giuseppe Morreale, in a savage attack at their home in the village of Ugley, near Bishop’s Stortford, on 28 May last year.

Ricotta, originally from Sicily, had spent years controlling and coercing Maria, refusing to let her escape their failing marriage. When she finally took steps towards divorce, he issued a chilling threat: “Dead or alive, you will never leave this marriage.”

When Maria stood her ground, Ricotta snapped. Armed with a knife, he attacked her in cold blood. Her son, Joe, stepped in to protect his mother but was overpowered and stabbed to death. The brutal double murder left the quiet Essex community in shock.

During the trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, the jury heard how Maria had confided in friends that Ricotta frightened her. She feared for her life as his controlling behaviour escalated. In her sentencing remarks, Mrs Justice Dame Mary Stacey described Ricotta as “cowardly”, stating that his “vanity, pride, and ego” had driven him to kill.

“Joe’s courage in standing up to you is in stark contrast to the cowardly way you killed both of them,” the judge told Ricotta.

The court also heard that a youth, present in the house during the attack, was injured. Ricotta was convicted of actual bodily harm in addition to the two murders.

Essex Police’s senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Lydia George, described Ricotta as “calculating, controlling, and violent.” She added:

“Joe intervened to try and protect his mother to the end, however, he received horrific injuries that ultimately took his life.”

“Ricotta then refused to admit his crimes, subjecting their loved ones to months of stress and turmoil. His claims of self-defence were completely dismantled by the evidence our officers compiled.”

Ricotta will spend a minimum of 34 years behind bars before he can be considered for release—meaning he will likely die in prison.

In a heartbreaking statement, Maria and Joe’s grieving family described them as “kind and pure-hearted people.” They remembered Maria as “the most beautiful person inside and out”, and called Joe “our hero”, adding:

“The last thing he did was try to save his mum. He was the bravest person we have ever known.”

Now, as Ricotta begins his life sentence, those who loved Maria and Joe are left with nothing but memories—and the pain of knowing their lives were cut short by a man who refused to let go.