Disappeared: The Most Mysterious and Disturbing Stories

Mysterious disappearances are among the most shocking and painful events that can affect a society.

From the disappearance of fifteen-year-old Emanuela Orlandi in 1983, one of the longest-running mysteries in Italian history, to the disappearance of Mia Kataleya Chicclo Alvarez, known as Kata, the Peruvian girl who disappeared on June 10, 2023 in Florence, unsolved cases of missing persons in Italy continue to generate unanswered questions. 

Emanuela Orlandi and Mirella Gregori (1983)

In 1983, Rome fu , of two of the most mysterious disappearances in Italian history: Emmanuela Orlandi e Mirella Gregori. Emanuela, daughter of a Vatican employee, disappeared on June 22 while returning home from a music lesson. Just 40 days earlier, on May 7, Mirella, also fifteen, had disappeared while leaving home to meet a friend.

The two events, initially considered separate, ended up being linked by mysterious connections. Emanuela's disappearance led to numerous theories, including the involvement of the Banda della Magliana and alleged blackmail against the Vatican. Some also hypothesize the involvement of international secret services.

In Mirella's case, the investigation failed to provide any concrete evidence. Emanuela's story continued to be the subject of discussion for decades, with the family never ceasing to seek the truth.

 Il documentary “Vatican Girl: The Disappearance of Emanuela Orlandi”, released on Netflix in 2022, brought to light new testimonies and theories about this mystery.

Emanuela's brother, Peter Orlandi, continues with determination to seek answers and justice.

Denise Pipitone (2004)

On 1 September 2004, Denise Pipitone, a little girl of almost four years old, suddenly disappeared in Mazara del Vallo, in Sicilia. She was playing outside her grandmother's house when she vanished without a trace. The investigation focused on the family, especially her half-sister, Jessica Pulizzi, but not enough evidence was found for a conviction.

Numerous sightings of little girls resembling Denise both in Italy and abroad have not led to any concrete results. 

Recently, in 2021, an investigation raised hopes that a young Russian woman could be Denise, but a DNA test disproved this hypothesis. Denise's parents, Peter May e Peter Pulizzi, have requested the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry to analyze the investigations and possible omissions or misdirections.

Roberta Ragusa (2012)

Roberta Ragusa, a 45-year-old mother, mysteriously disappeared from her home in Gello, in the province of Pisa, on the night between 13 and 14 January 2012. The investigations focused on the husband, Antonio Logli, who initially claimed that Roberta had fled voluntarily. However, inconsistencies in her testimony and other evidence led to her conviction for murder and concealment of a corpse in 2019.

In 2023, the Court of Cassation declared the appeal for the review of the conviction inadmissible. Roberta's family continues to ask for justice and the truth about the fate of her remains. Roberta's disappearance remains one of the most mysterious and painful in recent Italian news.

Alessandro Venturelli (2020)

Alessandro Venturelli, a 21-year-old young man, disappeared on December 5, 2020 from his home in Sassuolo, Modena. His disappearance has given rise to numerous hypotheses, including voluntary separation and the possibility that he had ended up in a community or sect. The investigations explored several leads, including the possibility that Alessandro was in Holland. Analysis of his phone revealed the deletion of messages and calls, leading investigators to collaborate with the Dutch police.

Alexander's mother, Roberta Carassai, continues to launch appeals through the media and social networks, keeping alive the hope of being able to hug Alessandro again and seeking the truth about what happened.

Sara Pedri (2021)

Sara Pedri, a 32-year-old gynecologist, passed away on March 4, 2021. 

His car was found near the Mostizzolo bridge, in Trentino. Sara was going through a difficult time due to alleged mistreatment and pressure at work. The investigation focused on Sara's working conditions and the testimonies of colleagues. The Trento Prosecutor's Office confirmed the accusations of mistreatment against the former head physician Saverio Tateo and his deputy Liliana Mereu.

Despite the searches, Sara's body has not been found. Sara's family continues to seek answers and justice, keeping the memory of the young gynecologist alive and calling for greater attention to the working conditions of health professionals.

Kata in Florence (2023)

The most recent case of disappearance in Italy concerns Kata, a 5-year-old girl who disappeared on June 10, 2023 in Florence. Kata was playing in the courtyard of the former Astor Hotel, an illegally occupied building, when she vanished without a trace. The investigation considered several leads, including kidnapping by a pedophile, involvement in the rental racket, and a possible cross-vendetta.

Kata's mother, Katherine Alvarez, has launched several public appeals, claiming that the child was kidnapped and may still be alive. Authorities have moved Kata's parents from the former Astor Hotel to ensure their safety. Despite the numerous researches, so far no concrete trace of Kata has emerged, leaving the family and community in the hope that he will be found.

The stories of Emanuela Orlandi, Mirella Gregori, Denise Pipitone, Roberta Ragusa, Alessandro Venturelli, Sara Pedri and Kata are testimonies of unimaginable pain and an incessant search for the truth.

These cases have highlighted not only the weaknesses of investigations, but also the resilience of the families and communities involved. As authorities continue to search for answers, it is crucial to maintain a high level of attention on these cases to ensure that justice is served and that victims are not forgotten. 

The hope is that one day, through the joint efforts of investigators, families and civil society, these mysteries can finally be solved and peace brought to those left behind.