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Ricin Confirmed in Molise Deaths as Prosecutors Ready Forensic Phone Extraction

Toxicology pinpoints ricin exposure, pushing investigators toward a suspected poisoning case.

Overview

  • The anti-poison center in Pavia confirmed acute ricin poisoning in both victims, with concentrations reported near 50 times above lethal thresholds.
  • Gianni Di Vita’s blood sample tested negative for ricin, yet the report notes the weeks of storage could have broken down any toxin that was present.
  • Prosecutors seized Alice Di Vita’s smartphone and plan an irreproducible extraction on Tuesday to collect chats, meal notes, web searches, location data, emails and social profiles.
  • An expert session in Bari next week will examine autopsy slides in a contested, non-repeatable proceeding to clarify the substance’s effects and timing.
  • Two tracks run in parallel, with a homicide probe against unknown persons and a separate file on five Cardarelli doctors for possible negligence, as police reconstruct holiday meals and check potential ricin procurement routes, including reported searches on a school computer.