Napoli – An ominous shadow looms over the death of Luca Canfora, the costume designer for Paolo Sorrentino's film Parthenope, who died two years ago in Capri during the filming of the Oscar-winning director's film.
The Naples Public Prosecutor's Office, with Deputy Prosecutor Silvio Pavia, has opened a new investigative lead: in addition to the hypotheses of suicide and accident, the possibility of a homicide following an assault is taking shape.
A turning point that reshuffles the cards of a case that, from the beginning, has raised doubts and questions. The body of Camphor, a highly regarded professional in the world of cinema, was found on September 1, 2023 in the waters beneath the Gardens of Augustus, in Capri, the day after the shooting of a crucial scene in the film: the suicide of the protagonist's brother.
The first autopsy had revealed fractures that the costume designer's family, especially his brother Giuseppe, considered incompatible with a fall from a height of tens of meters, also considering Luca's robust build. This element, combined with other anomalies, prompted the family to file a complaint, requesting further investigation.
The investigations, which initially oscillated between the hypothesis of a voluntary act and that of a tragic accident, took a new direction thanks to the second autopsy, performed at the beginning of March 2025, and an inspection carried out on 22 May on the island, with the participation of an expert appointed by the public prosecutor.
The hypothesis of aggression is gaining ground
The results of these investigations have strengthened the hypothesis of a fatal attack, opening up disturbing scenarios. The images from the video surveillance cameras, analyzed by the investigators, show Canfora entering the Gardens of Augustus on the day of the filming, but not leaving.
The next day, his body was spotted by a canoeist in the waters below.
Giuseppe Canfora, assisted by the former commander of the Parma RIS Luciano Garofano as a consultant, has always firmly rejected the hypothesis of suicide.
During a hearing at the Flying Squad of Naples, last February 18, reiterated his doubts about the rib fractures found in the first autopsy, judged too slight for a fall from such a great height. "My brother would never have taken his own life," declared Giuseppe, emphasizing the sunny personality and professional success of Luca, who showed no signs of psychological distress.
The Prosecutor's Office, accepting the family's requests, has decided to extend the investigation to shed light on a case that is becoming increasingly complex. Investigators are now examining every detail, from the images from the cameras to the elements that emerged from the second autopsy, to reconstruct the last hours of Canfora's life.
The possibility of an assault, which could have culminated in murder, adds a dramatic element to a story that has the world of cinema and public opinion in suspense.
It remains unclear what happened in those fateful moments in the Gardens of Augustus. Luca Canfora's family awaits answers.
Article published on 24 June 2025 - 18:21
The article discusses a very complex and disturbing situation regarding the death of Luca Canfora. The investigation seems to be ongoing and new evidence could change everything. It is important that the truth comes out for the good of the family.