Overview
- The Salerno preliminary judge on Saturday acquitted Carabinieri Col. Fabio Cagnazzo of the 2010 killing of Pollica mayor Angelo Vassallo and of an alleged cover‑up for lack of proof.
- Higher courts had twice thrown out Cagnazzo’s custody over weak corroboration and conflicting statements from cooperating witnesses, and the Lazio administrative court also reversed his job suspension.
- Separate cases now move ahead: former collaborator Romolo Ridosso faces an abbreviated trial on April 24, a fast‑track procedure that can cut any sentence, while ex‑brigadier Lazzaro Cioffi and businessman Giuseppe Cipriano go to trial on July 9.
- Giovanni Cafiero was sent to trial only on alleged drug‑trafficking offenses tied to Acciaroli, which prosecutors say formed the motive for the mayor’s killing.
- The Vassallo family foundation said it will study the judge’s written reasons and await a court review of measures known in Italy as Riesame.