Pietracatella ricin poisoning investigation leads to friend’s indictment

In December, Antonella Di Ielsi and her daughter Sara Di Vita died in Pietracatella, Molise, after what investigators suspect was ricin poisoning. Police have now charged a close family friend with obstruction of justice after she was interviewed three times and repeatedly denied any family tensions, contradicting evidence gathered from seized electronic devices. The Squadra Mobile has examined smartphones, a tablet, a PC and two modems taken from the family home, uncovering chat messages that reference past conflicts within the Di Vita household and that clash with witness statements. Over 160 interrogations have been conducted, and forensic analysis of the victims’ bodies and toxicology tests are expected by the end of the month. Investigators continue to scrutinise the digital evidence to clarify the circumstances surrounding the double homicide.