Italian investigators will inspect computers at an agricultural institute in Riccia on Oct. 13 as they investigate the deaths of Antonella Di Ielsi and her 15-year-old daughter Sara. Authorities say both died of ricin poisoning, but have not established how the toxin entered their bodies or identified anyone responsible.
Under an order from the Larino prosecutor’s office, officers from the Campobasso mobile squad and the Central Operations Service will examine more than 70 computers, including those in the school’s laboratories. They will focus on the chemistry lab and the area near the greenhouse. Prosecutor Elvira Antonelli described the operation as a digital inspection.
Investigators are looking for possible digital traces related to ricin, including searches about its properties, preparation, administration or online availability. The Sept. 28 order also allows authorities to seize devices and other computer material that may be relevant to the case.
Antonelli said prosecutors are pursuing all possible leads, although she described an accident as the least likely explanation. The case is being investigated as an intentional double homicide involving poison. No suspects have been identified.
Antonella Di Ielsi and her daughter Sara died on Dec. 27-28, 2025. Forensic tests established acute ricin poisoning but did not determine how the toxin entered their bodies or whether there was one exposure or several. Investigators are continuing to trace the toxin’s source and reconstruct the circumstances of the deaths.