Guilty Plea in Long-Unresolved Italian Police Murder Case

The recent conviction of Gaetano Scotto for the murder of Italian police officer Nino Agostino and his wife Ida Castelluccio marks a significant development in a long-standing quest for justice in Italy. The case, unsolved for decades, has been described as a major step towards uncovering the truth about alleged ties between the mafia and Italian secret services.

The ruling was announced in Rome on October 8, 2024, and has been hailed as a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice for the victims. “The life sentence for Gaetano Scotto is an important step for the truth and justice in our country,” stated the spokespersons for Movimento 5 Stelle, Valentina D’Orso and Ada Lopreiato, alongside Antimafia commission head Luigi Nave and Giulia Sarti of the Legal and Justice Committee.

Agostino, a police officer, along with his wife, was murdered in a brutal assassination in 1989. His father, Vincenzo Agostino, became a symbolic figure in the quest for justice, maintaining a vow of protest recognized through his distinctive long beard grown since his son’s death. Vincenzo Agostino passed away earlier this year, leaving a legacy of advocacy for his son and daughter-in-law’s unresolved case.

The investigation took a significant turn following the involvement of Roberto Scarpinato, former public prosecutor general of Palermo, who navigated through an intricate web of political and criminal obstruction. His efforts provided new life to the stalled investigation, challenging previous mishandlings by law enforcement and intelligence operatives.

Movimento 5 Stelle emphasized the necessity of pursuing truth and accountability, highlighting the continued need for transparence in uncovering the full extent of collaborations between organized crime and national security services. They reiterated the appeal from Nino Morana, Vincenzo Agostino’s nephew, for further testimonies from key figures like Scotto and fellow crime lord Nino Madonia to clarify remaining mysteries surrounding the murders.