# Homicide investigation in Bibbiena, Italy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/homicide-investigation-in-bibbiena-italy
> Updated: 2026-10-10T16:00:22.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2.

Authorities in Bibbiena, Arezzo, are investigating the death of 70-year-old Giancarlo Bernardini, who died on September 18 following a severe hemorrhage caused by a deep wound to his left popliteal vein.

Initially, the investigation sought to determine if the injury was a domestic accident or caused by a sharp object. The victim’s wife, 59-year-old Maria Ricci, claimed the incident was accidental. Following further investigation, Ricci was arrested and placed in custody on charges of aggravated preterintentional homicide. Investigators determined the injury occurred during an argument in the couple’s kitchen, alleging that Ricci used an 18-centimeter hunting dagger to strike Bernardini in the leg. Prosecutors noted that Ricci was aware the victim was taking antiplatelet medication, which increased the risk of fatal bleeding. Ricci has been transferred to the Florence-Sollicciano prison.

During questioning by a judge in Florence, Ricci maintained her claim that the stabbing was an accident. She stated that she found a large hunting knife in the kitchen and attempted to hide it in a drawer during a discussion with her husband, asserting that the blade struck him unintentionally as they turned. While her defense suggests the charge could be downgraded to manslaughter if the accident is proven, Carabinieri investigators continue to believe the wound was inflicted during a domestic dispute.

## Claims

- The incident occurred during a discussion in the kitchen of the couple's home. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The injury caused massive bleeding, hemorrhagic shock, and multi-organ failure. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Maria Ricci is charged with aggravated preterintentional homicide. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Maria Ricci used an approximately 18-centimeter hunting dagger to strike her husband. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- A judge issued a precautionary detention order for Ricci, who was taken to the Florence-Sollicciano prison. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Following the incident, Ricci called emergency services and initially claimed it was an accident. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The wound struck the left leg below the knee, damaging the popliteal vein. (single source)
- The prosecution notes that Ricci was aware her husband was taking antiplatelet medication. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-10: Bibbiena woman arrested for husband's death after knife incident

A woman in Bibbiena is accused of preterintentional homicide after her husband died from a knife wound; meanwhile, investigators in Perugia probe a fatal building explosion.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bibbiena-woman-arrested-for-fatal-stabbing-of-husband

### 2026-10-02: Bibbiena woman under investigation for suspected homicide of husband

Authorities in Bibbiena, Italy, are investigating the death of 70-year-old Giancarlo Bernardini. His wife is a suspect in a potential homicide investigation following his death from a severe leg injury.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bibbiena-woman-under-investigation-for-suspected-homicide-of-husband

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Cite as: Homicide investigation in Bibbiena, Italy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/homicide-investigation-in-bibbiena-italy