The mysterious disappearance of twins Alessia and Livia Schepp has captivated viewers and investigators alike since their case first came to light over thirteen years ago. The latest focus on this cold case occurred on February 27, 2025, during the second episode of the fourth season of ‘Detectives. Casi irrisolti,’ aired on Rai 2, which sought to unravel the events surrounding their enigmatic fate.
According to program host Pino Rinaldi, the episode delved deep not only to present the facts known but also offered personal recollections from those closely involved with the investigation. Each case covered by ‘Detectives’ seeks to engage the audience with first-hand accounts from the officers and experts who navigate these challenging and often heart-wrenching mysteries.
The story begins with the twins’ mother, Irina Lucidi, originally from Italy, who found herself drawn to Matthias Schepp during a work trip. Eventually marrying and having two beautiful daughters, Alessia and Livia, the couple's relationship plunged when Irina sought divorce due to Matthias's increasingly obsessive behavior. After the split, tensions escalated as Matthias attempted to gain custody of their daughters, which led to devastating consequences.
On January 30, 2011, Matthias took his twins for what was intended to be just another day spent together. Instead, it marked the last time anyone would see Alessia and Livia. The day commenced innocently enough, with Matthias seen picking the girls up from their mother. From there, the family's tragedy unfolded as he drove the girls from their home through various locations — stopping at places such as Saint-Julien-en-Genevois and Lyon. During this frantic and desperate drive, he sent Irina several messages, including one final postcard claiming he wanted to punish her by taking their daughters away.
Days later, on February 3, Matthias, deep in despair and filled with turmoil, committed suicide at the Cerignola train station. His tragic act was accompanied by letters declaring, "Le ho uccise, le bambine riposano in pace, non hanno sofferto… Non le rivedrai mai più," implying he had killed the twins, yet leaving no trace of their bodies. Despite this chilling confession, neither Alessia nor Livia's whereabouts have ever been confirmed, prompting many to label it as one of Italy's most notorious cold cases.
Throughout the investigations, authorities faced challenges due to the lack of concrete evidence. Despite Matthias's acknowledgment of his actions, no physical traces of the twins were ever discovered, leading Irina to publicly express her unwavering belief, stating, "Le mie gemelline sono sempre rimaste qui, accanto a me. Ce le ho negli occhi, sulla pelle," demonstrating her enduring connection to her daughters.
Following the unimaginable loss, Irina transformed her grief driven by the still-terrifying uncertainty of her daughters' fate. Drawing on her legal background, she founded Missing Children Switzerland, dedicated to advocating for families of missing children and raising awareness about their plight. Irina’s initiatives reflect her determination to channel her pain positively, assisting others who ask, “What happened?” just as she frequently does.
‘Detectives’ showcases how the tragedy of the Schepp twins remains relevant and real, not just for the families involved but for society. Each episode reexamines not only the factual evidence and investigative efforts but interweaves tales of human experience, loss, and pause to reflect on the psychological effects of such devastating experiences. The insight shared by Rinaldi and his guests sheds light on the often harrowing realities law enforcement faces when dealing with missing children cases.
Despite the years, the mystery of Alessia and Livia continues to intrigue the public, with many hoping for closure. The episode highlighted the investigative process’s complexity, showcasing previous police endeavors and upcoming strategies to keep the twins' names alive.
It is evident through the emotional recounting and shared updates by Irina Lucidi and the detectives involved, the case of the Schepp twins remains not just about loss but love and resilience. While the search for answers endures, Irina exemplifies the relentless spirit of mothers everywhere fighting for their children, way beyond what is visible to the world.
Though unsolved, the case serves as both chilling and poignant reminder of the unresolved challenges families face when dealing with the unknown. The quest for truth remains, and the hope persists for Alessia and Livia to not only be remembered like fleeting shadows lost over time but rather as cherished names echoing through the hearts of those who strive for justice and closure.