Pavia prosecutors reopen 1987 Francesco Ancona murder investigation

The Pavia Prosecutor's Office has reopened the investigation into the 1987 death of Francesco Ancona, a 48-year-old construction worker found dead near Mortara. Originally classified as a suicide, new forensic evidence suggests Ancona was the victim of a violent assault.

Forensic pathologist Cristina Cattaneo provided a reconstruction indicating that Ancona may have been poisoned before being repeatedly struck in the head. The investigation suggests he may have endured a long period of agony before his body was abandoned near a provincial road following a failed attempt to set him on fire.

Authorities have summoned Domenico Scarfò, a former truck driver, and Giovanna Navarra, the victim's widow, for questioning. Investigators are exploring the possibility of accomplices and whether Navarra may have been involved in orchestrating the crime.