Italy dismisses investigation into police shooting of Michele Mastropietro

Italian authorities have officially dismissed the judicial proceedings against police officers Ivan Lupoli and Giuseppe Cavallo regarding the death of Michele Mastropietro. The decision follows a request by the Taranto Public Prosecutor's Office, concluding an investigation into a shooting that occurred on June 12, 2025.

The incident took place in the countryside between Francavilla Fontana and Grottaglie during a pursuit following the murder of Carabinieri Chief Sergeant Carlo Legrottaglie. Investigations, including ballistic reports from the RIS in Rome and witness testimonies from local farmworkers, established that the officers issued warnings to stop before returning fire.

Evidence showed that Mastropietro fired at the officers, prompting them to respond. Autopsy results confirmed the fatal shots were not fired at close range, supporting the officers' accounts of the confrontation. Fabio Conestà, general secretary of Mosap, stated that the dismissal provides serenity to the officers, noting that they were acting to address an armed threat.