Pavia prosecutors announced Wednesday that Andrea Sempio is now the sole suspect in the 2007 murder of Chiara Poggi, a 26-year-old economics graduate who was stabbed to death in Garlasco, near Pavia. Sempio, 37, has been summoned for questioning on May 6th, marking a significant shift in the long-running case.
The development comes after new DNA evidence emerged last year, revealing DNA compatible with Sempio’s found under two of Poggi’s fingernails. This has prompted prosecutors to seek the overturning of the 2015 conviction of Alberto Stasi, Poggi’s former boyfriend, who was sentenced to 16 years in prison for the murder.
Shift in Focus After DNA Analysis
According to a report from ANSA, prosecutors now believe Sempio acted alone in the murder. This contrasts with previous theories that suggested Sempio may have acted with others, or in conjunction with Stasi. The investigation was reopened following conclusions from Stasi’s defense team, who highlighted the presence of Sempio’s DNA on the victim’s nails.
The Pavia prosecutors stated they will now move to have Stasi’s conviction struck down. Stasi, 42, is nearing the end of his 16-year sentence.
Defense Challenges DNA Evidence
Despite the prosecution’s shift, Sempio’s defense maintains his innocence. Lawyers for Sempio have argued that the DNA analysis was based on “degraded, partial, mixed and not consolidated” material, suggesting the transfer of DNA could have occurred without “direct contact.” They characterized the statistical strength of the results as “not particularly strong,” according to reporting from ANSA.
A consultant for the Poggi family, however, dismissed the defense’s claims, stating the data was not “reliable scientific data.”
Separate Investigation into Alleged Bribery
The case is further complicated by a separate investigation into alleged bribery. Sempio’s father and Pavia prosecutor Mario Venditti are under investigation for an alleged exchange of 20,000 to 30,000 euros to shelve the probe against Sempio. Venditti denies any wrongdoing and had previously dropped investigations into Sempio on two occasions.
Sources close to Sempio have indicated he is “bitter” about the leak of the DNA report before its official filing and remains confident he can “prove his innocence” through further analysis.
Searches and seizures of computer media have been conducted at the homes of Andrea Sempio and his parents as part of the ongoing investigation, as reported by Il Sole 24 Ore. A canal near a house of interest in the case was drained in an attempt to locate the murder weapon.