Tonight, May 6, 2025, the Italian television program Un giorno in pretura will delve into the harrowing trial of Giuseppe Di Fonzo, who stands accused of murdering his three-month-old daughter, Emanuela. This episode, airing at 21:20 on Rai 3, promises to explore the complex legal proceedings surrounding this tragic case that has gripped the nation.
The story begins in the early hours of February 13, 2016, when Emanuela was pronounced dead at the Giovanni XXIII hospital in Bari. The cause of death was reported as an unexplained cardiorespiratory crisis. However, the circumstances surrounding her death soon raised alarming questions. During her brief life, Emanuela had already suffered multiple respiratory crises, each occurring when she was alone with her father, Giuseppe Di Fonzo.
As the investigation unfolded, authorities discovered a disturbing pattern. Over her 90 days of life, Emanuela spent 67 days hospitalized due to respiratory issues. These episodes, according to investigators, were not merely coincidental but indicative of a more sinister reality. In fact, there were two previous incidents of suspected suffocation involving Emanuela, one in November 2015 and another in January 2016.
Initially, Di Fonzo was charged with unintentional homicide and sentenced to 16 years in prison. However, as the case progressed, the Court of Assize of Appeal reviewed the evidence and recognized premeditation, leading to a life sentence in September 2020. This decision was later annulled by the Supreme Court in March 2022, which ordered a new trial.
During the second appeal trial, Di Fonzo's defense team attempted to argue that he suffered from Munchausen syndrome by proxy, suggesting that he had inflicted harm on his daughter to gain attention. This defense was ultimately rejected by the judges, who stated that Di Fonzo's actions stemmed from a conscious desire to escape the responsibilities of fatherhood. They noted that the birth of Emanuela had represented an unbearable burden for him.
In April 2024, the second appeal court recognized mitigating circumstances and commuted Di Fonzo's sentence from life imprisonment to 29 years in prison. This decision was met with public outcry, particularly in light of Di Fonzo's previous conviction for sexual violence against a 14-year-old girl, for which he received an additional three-year sentence.
The Supreme Court's final ruling, confirming the 29-year sentence on March 10, 2025, marked the end of a lengthy judicial process that had lasted nearly eight years. The court's verdict highlighted that Di Fonzo's motivations were rooted in a calculated desire to rid himself of parental obligations, which he found to be a significant obstacle to his freedom.
Tonight's episode of Un giorno in pretura, hosted by Roberta Petrelluzzi, will provide a detailed account of the trial, including testimonies from medical experts and the emotional testimonies of family members. The program aims to shed light not only on the legal aspects of the case but also on the broader implications regarding parental responsibility and child welfare in Italy.
The tragic nature of Emanuela's death raises profound questions about the responsibilities of parenthood and the dark corners of human behavior. As the program airs, it will undoubtedly resonate with viewers, prompting discussions about the protection of vulnerable children and the societal obligations to ensure their safety.
As the nation watches, the case of Giuseppe Di Fonzo serves as a grim reminder of the potential for tragedy within the family unit, compelling society to reflect on the meaning of responsibility and the depths of despair that can lead to such unspeakable acts.
