The “proof” provided by DNA tests is not the only important aspect, although the police will now be looking into the tests carried out by the private investigators. Sempio had already been questioned on two occasions by the police. The first time Sempio was questioned a few days after the murder and the other the following year. According to investigative sources, the alibi given at the time, although considered ‘solid’, on re-examination presents anomalies and inconsistencies.

Grammar – The Past Perfect

http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/grammar/past_perfect.htm

Sempio is thought to have lied about his movements, convinced he would not be unmasked, as indeed initially happened. Those who have read the investigation reports have mentioned checks that should have been carried out straight after the murder but which were neglected.

Both the Poggi family’s lawyers and other professionals – geneticists and criminologists not directly involved in the investigation – have publicly and forcefully challenged the sensational new evidence presented by the defense, but it is difficult to also overlook the results of investigations into the suspect’s mobile phone traffic.

DNA Proof

The DNA “proof” was provided by traces left on a spoon and a bottle of water, later analysed by a renowned geneticist, for whom the results left no room for doubt. Before the final judgment, Stasi had been acquitted twice.

Sempio, the young friend of Chiara’s brother has the same shoe size (8½) as the footprint found on the blood-stained floor in the house in Garlasco. As previously reported, Sempio used a bicycle to go around town. Two witnesses, Franca Bermani and Manuela Travain, had noticed a (woman’s) bicycle outside the house in the period between 9.23 and 10.20 on 13 August.

Chiara was killed between 9.12 and 9.35, when Stasi was still at home in front of his computer.

He was the one who discovered his ex-girlfriend’s body at 1.50pm and called for help.

The Telephone Call

Chiara was in her pyjamas and was killed near to the stairs with an unknown weapon, perhaps a hammer, according to judges, which either did not come from the house, or was taken away together with two beach towels. The crime scene gave the impression of being “crystallized” without any signs of disorder, implying that the person who knocked at the door of the house was someone Chiara knew.

Comprehension Check

Questions

1. Is there is reasonable doubt regarding Alberto Stasi’s involvement in the murder of Chiara?
2. Who is the new suspect?
3. Why is he a suspect?
4. How did he know Chiara?
5. How long has Alberto Stasi been in prison?