Andrea Innocenti Late in the afternoon of Thursday, October 15, a report of alleged anomalies at a home on Via Imperiale, in the heart of Mirandola, sparked one of the most complex investigations in recent years in the province of Modena. Emergency responders, accompanied by the State Police Mobile Squad, the Carabinieri, and the Fire Department, found two lifeless bodies upon their entry, both with deep head wounds, described by initial reports as near-total decapitation .
The picture was quickly confirmed by preliminary investigations conducted on-site: the male victim, Pietro Ferdinando Casari, was 82 years old, while his partner, Vincenza Giannini, was 74. Both had lived for decades in the same farmhouse, known for its tranquility and long-standing ties with the neighborhood.
The contrast between the quiet of the rural environment and the brutality of what had happened immediately aroused strong unease among the local population.
Discovery of the bodies and first intervention by law enforcement
The first accounts come from a neighbor who, around 20:30 pm, witnessed the arrival of numerous emergency vehicles along the street.
It's not yet clear who made the phone call that triggered the alarm, but authorities have confirmed that the scene has been cordoned off, with the entire street cordoned off to prevent onlookers from accessing it and ensuring the safety of the crime scene.
Flying Squad Chief Mario Paternoster, coordinator of the field operation, stated that all available tools were employed: from ballistics to the collection of biological traces, including the analysis of possible entry and exit routes. The forensic police, still awaiting entry, will have to deal with a particularly delicate situation, where preserving the integrity of the remains is crucial to reconstructing the dynamics of the event.
Investigations and hypotheses on the motive
From the very first hours, the investigation immediately focused on a possible family connection, taking into account the profile of the individuals involved and their known interpersonal relationships. The couple's son, who currently lives in the same area, was summoned for questioning at the Carabinieri station. Investigative sources confirm that the young man has been questioned several times, but no official statement has been released to the public at this time.
Meanwhile, the State Police began canvassing the surrounding area, gathering reports of any suspicious sightings, unusual noises, or unusual vehicle movements in the hours preceding the discovery. Some residents in the neighborhood reported hearing isolated voices during evening walks, but no direct connection to the incident has yet been confirmed.
The son under interrogation
Authorities have emphasized that the young man is being closely monitored and that each statement he makes will be evaluated in light of the evidence gathered on site. Some local sources have reported that the son was spotted in the company of unidentified individuals over the past week, but this information has not yet been confirmed. The investigation remains open and is based on a methodical approach, with the hope of identifying any motives that could explain such an extreme tragedy.
Community reaction and institutional statements
Mirandola Mayor Letizia Budri expressed her deepest condolences to the family and called the event a "tragedy that deeply shakes our community." She also confirmed that she is in constant contact with the Police Commissioner and the Public Prosecutor, awaiting further developments from Prosecutor Nicolini, who is handling the case.
The news quickly spread across social media, sparking a wave of solidarity for the victims' families. Many residents held a minute of silence and promised to cooperate with the authorities, hoping the truth will come out soon. Meanwhile, the area around the farmhouse has remained closed to traffic, with residents urged to respect safety measures and not share unverified images or details, so as not to jeopardize the delicate work of reconstructing the events.