Ricin poisoning investigation continues in Italy

Investigators in Italy are intensifying their inquiry into the deaths of Antonella Di Ielsi and her fifteen-year-old daughter, Sara Di Vita, following the discovery of ricin in their blood. The Squadra Mobile of Campobasso is conducting a series of highly discreet hearings, with some witnesses entering the police headquarters through secondary entrances to maintain secrecy.

A significant new investigative lead involves online discussions on Reddit. Investigators are examining a thread from July where a user, ostensibly writing a modern-day story, asked for advice on how to kill a character with an undetectable poison. In the discussion, the substance “ricin” was suggested. While a potential IP address linked to the Molise region has been identified in connection with ricin preparation searches in the United States, the Larino Prosecutor's Office has not yet confirmed a direct link.

Police have recently seized personal items, including a handbag belonging to Antonella Di Ielsi, and are cross-referencing electronic devices and forensic data. The investigation, which has involved specialists from the Robert Koch Institut in Berlin, is currently focused on a very limited number of individuals, though the case remains officially classified as a double voluntary homicide against unknown persons.