Domenico Lanza cleared of kidnapping charges in Daniela Ruggi case

An investigation into the disappearance of 32-year-old Daniela Ruggi has resulted in the dismissal of kidnapping charges against Domenico Lanza, a 68-year-old man known locally as the ‘Sceriffo’. A judge in Modena ordered the dismissal of the file, which had named Lanza as the sole suspect in the disappearance of Ruggi, who vanished in Montefiorino in 2024.

Ruggi’s remains were discovered in January 2026 inside a dilapidated tower in Vitriola, near her former residence. Forensic medical examinations on the remains have recently commenced. While Lanza had previously been arrested for illegal possession of firearms, he has consistently denied involvement in Ruggi’s disappearance, maintaining that he had not seen her since she left following a medical emergency in September 2024.

Following the dismissal, Lanza expressed his intention to seek damages for psychological harm and property loss, stating that the investigation had been a ‘calvary’. His lawyer, Fausto Gianelli, noted that defensive investigations demonstrated Lanza’s total lack of involvement in the disappearance of his former friend.