Update Arturo Gatti Dead at 37: Wife a Key Suspect

On July 11, 2009, Arturo Gatti was found dead in his hotel room in Porto de Galinhas, Brazil. He was 37 years old. His wife, Amanda Rodriguez and son were in Brazil with him. The death was labeled as suspicious and now Rodriguez may be facing charges of murder.

Gatti was found in his underwear. Blood was found on his neck and back. His body may have been there for up to ten hours before authorities were called in.

Brazilian authorities have detained Amanda Rodriguez and plan to file former charges against her shortly. Authorities claim that there are many inconsistencies in her story. She cannot explain why she was in the room with Gatti for ten hours before realizing he was dead.

Further evidence mounts against Amanda Rodriguez. A purse strap, believe to be what strangled Gatti, was found at the scene with Arturo Gatti's body and the blood. Blood was discovered on Gatti's body and it is believed to have come from a blow to the head from an unknown object.

Reports from witnesses state that Gatti and Rodriguez had a public fight on Friday night and that Gatti was intoxicated when they returned to their room. Although it has been stated that the couple was on a second honeymoon, reports are circulating that they were having marital difficulty.

Prior to the detaining of Amanda Rodriguez, many in the media speculated that Arturo Gatti's death may have been connected to the fact that he was about to testify in a lawsuit brought against the New York State Athletic Commission by former boxer Joey Gamache. The legal action was due to the fact that in 2000 Gamache suffered a career ending knockout from Gatti who was allegedly too heavy to fight in that weight class.

Now it appears that Amanda Rodriguez may be responsible for her husband's death. She denies any involvement. The couple's young child is staying with Amanda's sister in Brazil.

sources:
Washingtonpost.com
Foxnews.com