The first analyzes on the Pietracatella tragedy, which caused the death of Sara Di Vita, fifteen, and her mother Antonella Di Ielsi, fifty, excluded some initial hypotheses. The tests have in fact eliminated both mushrooms and rat poison from the possible triggering factors, substances that had been considered among the first investigative leads.
The two women died within hours of each other last week, following what appears to be food poisoning. Initially the investigators had focused their attention on the food consumed during the Christmas Eve dinner.
The investigations continue under the direction of the Campobasso Flying Squad, coordinated by Marco Graziano, who is conducting a series of interrogations. The investigators interviewed both residents of the town and healthcare personnel from the Cardarelli hospital and other facilities.
At the moment, several investigative hypotheses remain open, mainly focused on other foods among the 19 seized from the victims’ homes and those of their family members. Among the 19 foods taken for analysis, investigators are checking every possible source of contamination.
Gianni Di Vita, father and husband of the two victims, remains hospitalized at the Spallanzani hospital in Rome where he was transferred after showing symptoms of intoxication. According to available information, the man will not be discharged anytime soon. The eldest daughter, also transported to Rome as a precaution, should leave the hospital soon.
The date of the funeral has not yet been definitively set. To allow the participation of family members still hospitalized, the funeral could take place on Wednesday or Thursday of next week.
