In brief
Italian prosecutors have launched a murder investigation after a mother and her daughter died post a Christmas meal, initially believed to be food poisoning. New tests indicate the presence of ricin, a highly toxic poison, complicating the case as health officials investigate potential medical negligence.
Italian prosecutors have opened a murder investigation following the deaths of a mother and her teenage daughter after a pre-Christmas meal last year.
Sara Di Vita, 15, and her mother Antonella Di Ielsi, 50, fell ill after a lunch in their hometown of Pietracatella, a small municipality 260km (161 miles) south-east of Rome.
Sara's father Gianni - the former mayor of Pietracatella - was also taken to hospital, but he later recovered. The couple's eldest daughter was not there that day.
Initially, doctors attributed the symptoms to food poisoning, but new details emerged after laboratory tests revealed the presence of a deadly poison, ricin. Authorities have not yet identified any suspects in the case.
Medical professionals initially suspected the infection resulted from either fish or mushrooms and consequently discharged the mother and daughter after a brief hospital stay.
However, their condition worsened significantly, leading to their re-admission to the hospital.
Dr. Vincenzo Cuzzone, head of the intensive care unit at Cardarelli hospital, noted that liver failure occurred rapidly, followed swiftly by multi-organ failure.
Medical negligence was initially suspected, leading to investigations of the doctors who discharged them for potential manslaughter.
Test results indicated ricin, a highly toxic chemical found in castor beans, which can cause rapid organ failure and death from ingestion of very small amounts. There is currently no known antidote for ricin poisoning.
