Ghost Tour Charleston

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Dead Italian Wives

Two unsettling tragedies are tied to a prominent Charleston family. The incidents involving Michael and Ivo Colucci, both tied to violence and potential murder, have left the community grappling with questions about family history, eerie similarities between the two cases, and the dark spiral that led to these seemingly unconnected (but strangely similar) events.

The Case of Michael Colucci: A Husband Accused of Murder

In 2015, Charleston was rocked by the tragic death of Sara Lynn Colucci, wife of Michael Colucci. Sara was found dead in a disturbing scene—a garden hose wrapped around her neck at the family’s warehouse. Initially, there were suggestions that Sara’s death might have been a suicide. However, details soon emerged that pointed to homicide. Investigators discovered troubling signs of physical trauma on Sara's body, including bruising and abrasions, leading them to believe she was murdered in cold blood.

Michael Colucci, her husband, quickly became the primary suspect. He claimed that Sara had left the car to use the bathroom before she was found dead. However, the timeline of events raised more questions than answers. Medical examiners noted that Sara’s body showed early signs of rigor mortis when first responders arrived, casting doubt on Michael’s version of the story. What’s more, the area where she was found—a grim, dirty location—didn’t match the pristine and controlled image that Sara had cultivated of their family life.

While the investigation initially moved slowly, the case eventually became a focal point of public attention in Charleston. Family members, friends, and the local community were left in disbelief. Sara’s personality was one of outward perfection, always concerned with pleasant aesthetics. Those close to her later spoke about the increasing isolation she experienced after her marriage to Michael, with many describing their relationship as strained and unhealthy.

The case was marked by legal twists and complications. While Michael Colucci maintained his innocence, state investigators revealed evidence that led to his arrest. The delay in the investigation, much like the infamous Murdaugh case, stirred public debate about the effectiveness of law enforcement in handling high-profile cases.

The Ivo Colucci Shooting: A Family Legacy of Violence

If the tragedy of Michael Colucci’s alleged crime wasn’t enough to unsettle the Charleston area, another incident involving the Colucci family soon followed. This time, it was Ivo Colucci, 80 years old, who found himself at the center of a fatal shooting.

Though specific details of Ivo’s case remain murky, what is clear is that his 74 year old wife Doris was shot dead in the Colucci jewelry store, and Ivo was the prime suspect.  People started connecting the dots between the two Colucci men—both implicated in violent crimes, both allegedly responsible for taking the lives of others.  Some speculated organized crime involvement, potentially even toxic debts leading to collateral damage.

To learn more about the dark history of Charleston, book a tour with Ghost Tour Charleston !!!