Ferrara nurse faces trial for hospital patient homicide

A trial is underway in Ferrara against Matteo Nocera, a 44-year-old former nurse from Argenta, accused of the aggravated voluntary homicide of 83-year-old Antonio Rivola. The incident occurred on September 5, 2024, while the victim was receiving care in the geriatric rehabilitation ward of the Mazzolani-Vandini Hospital.

The investigation was triggered by the disappearance of several vials of Midazolam, a potent sedative, during shifts in mid-to-late September. Investigators are utilizing wiretaps and environmental recordings, including conversations between colleagues, to build the case. While Nocera is being tried for the death of Rivola, authorities have ruled out his involvement in the death of another patient, 90-year-old Floriana Veronesi.