American men Lee Elder Finnegan and Gabriele Natale-Hjorth had their murder convictions upheld by an Italian appeals court for the killing of Italian police officer Mario Cerciello Rega during a botched sting operation in July 2019.

Finnegan received 15 years and 2 months in prison, while Natale-Hjorth received 11 years and 4 months, with their original life sentences from 2021 being reduced.

The court ruled that the defendants, who were teenagers at the time, did not fully comprehend they were dealing with police officers due to language barriers.

Italy's highest court ordered a new trial in 2023, questioning the defendants' understanding of the situation.

The Americans claimed self-defense, thinking the officers were thugs during a botched drug deal.

The defense lawyers welcomed the new ruling, emphasizing that it was fairer than the previous ones.

Police reported that the dealer involved was an informer who had requested police intervention after his bag was stolen.

The killing of Cerciello Rega shocked Italy, with the officer mourned as a national hero.

Despite the tragic incident, Finnegan's mother expressed hope for his future and willingness to take responsibility for his actions, while Elder's father remains optimistic about his son's future.

The case is still developing.