Italian TV debate revives Garlasco murder case and lawyer fee controversy

On 22 May 2026 the Rete Quattro programme Quarto Grado aired a heated discussion about the Garlasco murder case. Criminologist and forensic psychologist Roberta Bruzzone defended the Supreme Court’s 2016 ruling that Alberto Stasi is the perpetrator of Chiara Poggi’s 2007 killing, stating “Stasi remains the culprit”. Journalist Carmelo Abbate countered, claiming “Stasi is a victim of a judicial error” and urging a re‑examination of new evidence concerning Andrea Sempio.

The debate also featured former family lawyer Massimo Lovati, who addressed allegations that the Sempio family paid between €45,000 and €60,000 to their legal team – a sum often quoted as €56,000 – suggesting possible corruption in the 2017 acquittal of Sempio. Bruzzone pressed for transparency, asking “If a client gives 45‑60 k euros, should you not account for every minute?”. Lovati denied wrongdoing, saying he received only €15,000 for his work and rejected the corruption narrative.

The broadcast highlighted contrasting views on the validity of Stasi’s conviction, the relevance of the new investigative line on Sempio, and ethical questions about lawyer compensation in high‑profile Italian trials.