Italian Prosecutors Probe Ricin Poisoning After Christmas Deaths

Italian prosecutors launched a murder investigation after toxicology tests revealed the presence of ricin.

“- Published Italian prosecutors have opened a murder investigation following the deaths of a mother and her teenage daughter after a pre-Christmas meal last year”

BBC

Sara and Antonella died after being initially treated for food poisoning and then discharged.

BBC

Their symptoms rapidly worsened, leading to multi-organ failure.

Investigators focused on the meal consumed on December 23.

Approximately fifteen people attended a subsequent Christmas Eve dinner, none developed symptoms.

Blu Radio

Five medical professionals were placed under investigation for possible negligence.

The father was taken to the National Institute for Infectious Diseases in Rome.

“A mother and her 15-year-old daughter die in Italy from a food poisoning suffered during Christmas Eve dinner”

El Diario Vasco

He initially suffered symptoms but was discharged after a few days.

The case devastated the small community of Pietracatella.

Ricin was detected in the father and youngest daughter despite lack of symptoms.

No suspects have been identified.

El Mundo

The investigation continues to determine the source of the ricin exposure.