A tragic incident during a family celebration has turned into a homicide investigation as a deadly poison was discovered in a Christmas dinner that led to the deaths of a mother and her teenage daughter.
Antonella Di Ielsi, aged 50, and 15-year-old Sara Di Vita fell severely ill after a family meal on December 23. Unfortunately, both mother and daughter passed away shortly after, initially suspected to be due to food poisoning.
However, subsequent laboratory tests revealed the presence of ricin, one of the most lethal toxins globally. This prompted authorities to launch a thorough investigation into a suspected premeditated double murder.
Sara was taken to the emergency room twice before being discharged. Her condition deteriorated, and she died at Cardarelli Hospital on December 27 at 11 pm. Antonella was hospitalized shortly after displaying similar symptoms and passed away the following morning.
Gianni Di Vita, Antonella’s husband, also fell ill with symptoms like nausea, stomach cramps, and vomiting. He was rushed to the intensive care unit at Spallanzani Hospital in Rome. Following his discharge, he expressed confusion about the events.
Medical staff at Cardarelli Hospital mentioned the unusual progression of symptoms leading to the deaths, despite their efforts to provide care. The family had consumed a meal before the tragic events unfolded, prompting the investigation to focus on the food items consumed.
Various food items from the family’s home, including seafood, fish, flour, and preserved mushrooms, were seized for examination. Investigators are concentrating on the lunch on December 23 as the possible source of poisoning, as none of the guests at a subsequent dinner fell ill.
Authorities suspect that the mother and daughter experienced acute liver failure after ingesting the toxic substance, resulting in their deaths. The presence of ricin was confirmed through laboratory tests, escalating the case to a double murder investigation, with no suspects or motives identified yet.
As the investigation continues, the family’s residence remains under police control, while Gianni and his surviving daughter have relocated to another property.
