A Double Hospitalization Sparks Poisoning investigation

An unsettling case has emerged in Fabriano, Italy, where the hospitalization of an elderly couple has led to a murder investigation. The initial concern stemmed from the simultaneous admission of Vincenzo Profili,89,and his wife,Daniela Chief,81,to the hospital,raising suspicions of poisoning. Authorities, including the Carabinieri, meticulously searched their residence, seizing various food items, beverages, and even bottled water for analysis. Though,initial tests revealed no immediate traces of poisonous substances.

Autopsy Reveals Deadly sodium Nitrite Levels

The situation took a grim turn following the autopsy of Daniela Chief, who passed away five days after being admitted to the hospital. The autopsy report indicated that the cause of death was poisoning by sodium nitrite. This revelation prompted the Prosecutor’s Office to open a file for voluntary murder, aggravated by premeditation, the kinship bond, and the victim’s vulnerability. The primary suspect is Vincenzo Profili, Daniela’s husband, a retired doctor himself, following in the footsteps of his father, a respected physician and war hero.

Daniela Chief died on May 25, 2023, after being admitted to the hospital on May 20th. Vincenzo Profili was also hospitalized around the same time but was later discharged in July.

Evidence Mounts Against husband: A Technician’s Testimony

The investigation, led by prosecutor Irene Bilotta, has now reached a critical stage. The prosecutor has requested an indictment for Vincenzo Profili, who remains free pending the preliminary hearing scheduled for June 5 before Judge Alberto Pallucchini. The accusations against Profili are based on the autopsy results and the testimony of a computer technician who visited the couple’s home on two separate occasions. The technician claims to have seen a bottle containing sodium nitrite hidden within a computer cabinet.

The technician, who was called to the residence for issues with the house counters and a subsequent computer malfunction, reportedly confided in Daniela’s brother about his suspicions regarding Vincenzo’s behavior. During his second visit, the technician allegedly photographed the bottle.Furthermore, investigators discovered searches related to the purchase of sodium nitrite on the repaired computer, suggesting a deliberate acquisition of the deadly substance. sodium nitrite, while used in food preservation in small quantities, can be fatal in high doses. According to the national Institutes of Health, ingestion of even small amounts of sodium nitrite can cause serious health problems, including methemoglobinemia, a condition that reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen.

A “Definitive Solution” and a Fatal Dose

Adding to the evidence, investigators uncovered a letter purportedly written by vincenzo Profili to the family doctor, mentioning a “definitive solution” for his wife’s deteriorating health. The concentration of sodium nitrite found in Daniela Chief’s blood was reportedly 95%, a lethal level. The prosecution’s hypothesis is that the poison was administered through the medications that Vincenzo prepared daily for his ailing wife.

defense Claims Innocence and Lack of Evidence

Despite the mounting evidence, Vincenzo Profili maintains his innocence and denies the accusations. His defense team argues that no sodium nitrite was ever found in the couple’s home. The widower has not provided an explanation for the events leading to his wife’s death and vehemently rejects the allegations against him.

The Legal Road Ahead

The case is now headed to a preliminary hearing, where the judge will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. The outcome of this hearing will have notable implications for Vincenzo Profili and the pursuit of justice for Daniela Chief. The investigation continues to unfold, seeking to uncover the truth behind this tragic and perplexing case of suspected poisoning and premeditated murder.