Italy: Multiple cold cases reopened following new forensic evidence

Several long-standing investigations in Italy have been reopened or advanced due to new forensic findings and investigative developments.

In Pavia, the 1987 death of Francesco Ancona, originally ruled a suicide, is now being investigated as a homicide. New autopsy reports suggest Ancona was struck with a blunt object and may have been poisoned. Investigators are looking into his wife as a suspect, citing a potential motive related to an extramarital affair.

In Garlasco, the 2010 death of Giovanni Ferri is being re-examined as a potential murder rather than suicide. The Pavia Prosecutor’s Office has ordered DNA testing on a knife found near the victim to identify potential biological traces from another individual.

In Salento, authorities have detained a 32-year-old man, Emmanuel Greco, in connection with the death of 78-year-old Antimo Mazzotta. Mazzotta was found in a well in Torre Rinalda. Investigators allege the victim was shot and his body was moved to the well to conceal the crime following an economic dispute.