The whereabouts of Letizia Ruggeri, the prosecutor in the Yara case: an update on her career.
The Shocking Case of Yara Gambirasio: A Recap
In Italy, almost everyone knows about the tragic story of Yara Gambirasio.
The young girl’s disappearance and subsequent discovery of her body in 2010 shook the nation.
Letizia Ruggeri, the public prosecutor who led the investigation and trial resulting in Massimo Bossetti’s conviction, played a central role in this case.
The Disappearance of Yara Gambirasio and Letizia Ruggeri
Yara Gambirasio, a 13-year-old girl from Brembate di Sopra, vanished on November 26, 2010.
Her body was found three months later on February 26, 2011, in a field in Chignolo d’Isola, near her home.
The investigation, marked by the extensive use of DNA technology, was long and complex.
A trace of male DNA was discovered on Yara’s clothing, leading to the creation of the genetic profile of “Unknown 1.” After testing thousands of samples, Massimo Bossetti was identified, arrested in 2014, and sentenced to life in prison in 2016.
Letizia Ruggeri, a magistrate from Milan, was a key figure in the Yara case.
Graduating in law and winning the magistrate competition in 1993, she began her career in the air police at Linate and then as a deputy prosecutor in Agrigento, where she handled various mafia cases.
Since 1999, she has been serving in Bergamo.
During the Yara case investigations, Ruggeri coordinated a massive DNA collection effort and managed the complex genetic analyses that led to Bossetti’s identification as the culprit.
What Happened to Letizia Ruggeri?
Currently, Letizia Ruggeri is under investigation for procedural fraud and tampering charges brought by Massimo Bossetti’s lawyers.
These accusations are related to the handling of biological evidence collected during the Yara murder investigations, specifically the DNA samples found on Yara’s clothing.
After Bossetti’s final conviction, 54 vials containing biological traces of Yara and Bossetti were moved from San Raffaele Hospital in Milan to the crime body office at the Bergamo court, at Ruggeri’s decision.
Bossetti’s lawyers argue that this transfer compromised the evidence preservation, as the cold chain necessary to keep the DNA samples intact was allegedly interrupted, rendering further analysis impossible.
The Venice Prosecutor’s Office requested the case’s closure, but Bossetti’s defense objected.
The preliminary investigations judge postponed the decision to July 2024.
Meanwhile, Ruggeri is suspended from her duties and focusing on her private life.
The Upcoming Hearing
To summarize, Ruggeri faces charges of procedural fraud concerning the alleged use of illicit means in conducting the investigation that led to Bossetti’s conviction, especially regarding DNA evidence management.
The legal proceedings also touch upon tampering allegations due to criticisms regarding how the evidence was presented and interpreted during the trial.
The crucial hearing on July 24 will determine whether the case against Letizia Ruggeri will be closed or if further investigations and potential legal consequences for the prosecutor will follow.
This story remains a focal point of public and media debate, fueled by Netflix’s recent docuseries bringing back the controversies surrounding the Yara Gambirasio case.
