Pietracatella ricin poisoning investigation targets unknown suspects

Authorities in Larino are investigating the deaths of 42-year-old Antonella Di Ielsi and her 15-year-old daughter, Sara Di Vita, who died from ricin poisoning in Pietracatella in late December 2025. The prosecution is proceeding with charges of double premeditated murder against unknown persons, noting that the hypothesis of accidental ingestion is “frankly” unlikely.

Salvatore Di Ielsi, the father of the deceased woman and grandfather of the teenager, has expressed deep uncertainty regarding the tragedy. While he stated that he believes the husband, Gianni Di Vita, when he denied involvement, he also noted long-standing personal issues within the marriage that may have been unresolved. The investigation is currently split into two tracks: one involving five doctors under investigation for manslaughter, and the primary investigation into the premeditated double homicide.

Di Ielsi recounted the final moments of December 27, when he accompanied his daughter to the hospital in Campobasso after being notified that Sara’s condition was worsening. Antonella passed away the following day after witnessing her daughter's death.