The former prosecutor defends his decision: “The DNA evidence was unusable in 2017”. But today, that same DNA points to Andrea Sempio
A case that never found peace
Chiara Poggi was murdered in her home in Garlasco in 2007, in one of Italy’s most debated criminal cases. After years of trials, convictions, and doubts, a new scientific breakthrough may change everything. The DNA found under Chiara’s nails – once deemed “inconclusive” – has now been attributed to Andrea Sempio, a family friend initially investigated and then cleared in 2017.
The former judge and the archived lead
In 2017, Mario Venditti, then the public prosecutor of Pavia, requested to archive the investigation line involving Sempio. According to his lawyer, this decision was made due to the “unusability of the scientific evidence” at the time, based on the RIS Carabinieri’s report, which stated that the DNA traces were not reliable for legal proceedings.
But the science has changed
With modern forensic techniques, those same DNA traces have now been clearly identified as belonging to Andrea Sempio. This revelation could potentially reshape the entire narrative of the case and prompt a re-examination of previous conclusions. Could justice have taken a wrong turn?
The prosecutor’s defense
Venditti’s lawyer emphasizes that the decision was made within the technical limits of the era. In other words, it wasn’t a judicial mistake, but a cautious move based on the tools available at the time. Still, with today’s science showing different results, public and legal scrutiny has intensified.
A turning point or another dead end?
Some see this new DNA attribution as the key to solving the mystery. Others, however, urge caution: Sempio’s DNA might not prove involvement in the murder, but could stem from prior innocent contact. What’s certain is that this once-dismissed clue is now in the spotlight.
When DNA becomes a ticking time bomb
This story raises a critical issue: how much does scientific evidence weigh in court, and how can it evolve with technology? The case of Chiara Poggi shows that a dismissed detail can resurface years later and shake the foundation of a closed case.
The family’s long quest for truth
The Poggi family has never stopped seeking justice. Every new development reopens deep wounds but also fragile hopes. Is there still time to correct the course of justice?
FAQ
1. Who was Chiara Poggi?
A young woman murdered in her home in Garlasco in 2007.
2. Who is Andrea Sempio?
A family friend initially investigated and later cleared in 2017.
3. What’s the new development?
New DNA analysis attributes the traces found under Chiara’s nails to Sempio.
4. Why was the DNA not used in 2017?
It was considered inconclusive by forensic experts at the time.
5. Who requested the dismissal?
Then-prosecutor Mario Venditti.
6. Has the case been officially reopened?
Not yet, but the new findings may lead to it.
7. Is Sempio under investigation again?
There’s no official confirmation so far.
8. What is the role of the RIS Carabinieri?
They conducted both the original and the new DNA analyses.
9. What does Chiara’s family say?
They continue to seek truth and justice.
10. Is DNA evidence definitive?
It’s a strong element but must be interpreted in the full context of the case.
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