Italian police investigating the kidnapping of a sick 18-month-old toddler have found a body, according to media reports.
Tommaso Onofri, who suffered from epilepsy, was snatched from his home on March 2.
Police recovered the body after conducting a search near a river near Parma in northern Italy after being led to the area by mason Mario Alessi who had worked at the Onofri family's home.
Alessi told investigators the child was killed and told them where the body was dumped, television said.
Police detained Alessi, his partner and another man. ANSA news agency said Alessi told prosecutors the child had been killed because he was crying
Prominent figures from Pope Benedict and politicians to singers and soccer players appealed for Tommaso's release.
