On May 6, 2025, the judge for preliminary investigations in Milan, Maria Idria Gurgo di Castelmenardo, accepted the request of the Milan Public Prosecutor's Office to reopen the investigations into the double murder of Fausto Tinelli and Lorenzo Iannucci, known as Fausto and Iaio. The two young men were tragically killed on March 18, 1978, near the Leoncavallo social center, a case that has remained unresolved for 47 years.
This decision comes a quarter of a century after the last filing, which indicated "significant evidence" against the subversive right-wing groups involved at the time. Prosecutors Francesca Crupi and Leonardo Lesti can now pursue new leads based on a recent report from the Digos, Italy's internal security agency.
At the time of the original investigation, the most relevant lead pointed towards the extreme right, which claimed responsibility for the attack with a leaflet. The 2000 filing, signed by Judge Clementina Forleo, noted the involvement of suspects Massimo Carminati, Claudio Bracci, and Mario Corsi, but these remained as mere indications without the necessary proof to bring anyone to trial.
One of the pivotal elements prompting the reopening of the case is a handwriting examination on a leaflet found in Rome shortly after the murders. This leaflet was signed by the "Esercito Nazionale Rivoluzionario. Brigata Combattente Franco Anselmi," a group linked to the terrorist Franco Anselmi, who died in a shootout during an attempted robbery just days before the murders.
The investigation into Fausto and Iaio's deaths had faced several challenges over the years, particularly due to the difficulty in locating key evidence from the time, including a "blue wool cap soaked in blood" that was not belonging to either of the victims, and eight bullets that were critical for forensic analysis. Judge Guido Salvini had previously suggested a comprehensive comparative analysis of these bullets with those fired in similar incidents involving left-wing militants in Rome during that period.
Lawyer Nicola Brigida, representing the family of Fausto Tinelli, expressed hope regarding the renewed investigation, stating, "It is imperative to shed light on the tragic double murder of two innocent boys, except for their civil and political engagement." This sentiment reflects a broader desire for justice within the community and among the victims' families.
The reopening of the case has garnered attention from various political figures, including the President of the Senate, Ignazio La Russa, who stated, "I am glad that the judiciary has decided to reopen the investigations to clarify and identify the perpetrators of the murders of Fausto and Iaio." La Russa has frequently highlighted the unresolved nature of the case and the need for accountability.
In the wake of this renewed inquiry, there is a palpable sense of urgency to find answers regarding the events of March 18, 1978, when Fausto and Iaio, both just 19 years old and active left-wing militants, were shot dead on via Mancinelli in Milan. Their deaths have long been emblematic of the violence that plagued Italy during the Years of Lead, a period marked by political extremism and social unrest.
As the investigation progresses, prosecutors will re-examine existing evidence and seek out new witnesses, including those who have previously testified. The hope is that fresh insights and technological advancements in forensic science will finally lead to a resolution in this decades-old case.
The reopening of the investigation has also been supported by local political leaders, including Democratic Party councilor Rosario Pantaleo, who has pushed for clarity on the issue and urged the justice system to act decisively.
Bruno Tinelli, the brother of Fausto, has voiced his hope that this new phase of the investigation will bring justice for the two young men. The Tinelli family has endured a long wait for answers, and this renewed effort represents a significant step forward in their quest for truth.
In summary, the reopening of the investigations into the murders of Fausto Tinelli and Lorenzo Iannucci marks a critical moment in the ongoing pursuit of justice for victims of political violence in Italy. With renewed focus on the case and the potential for new evidence to emerge, there is cautious optimism that the truth about what happened on that fateful night may finally come to light.
