Attempted Gucci Suicide

By Stephen M. Silverman

07/02/1998 at 12:00 AM EDT

Patrizia Reggiani Martinelli, the ex-wife of fashion heir Maurizio Gucci who has been dubbed the "black widow" for her successful role in plotting his 1995 murder, tried to hang herself with a sheet on Wednesday night in the Milan prison cell where she is serving her 26-year term. Martinelli was unharmed and required no more than two hours in the hospital, Agazio Mellace, director of the Opera prison outside Milan, told reporters. Her lawyer told the Italian press that his client was depressed over being in jail. Since her 1998 trial, Martinelli has been fighting to get out of prison and instead serve out her term under house arrest.