Naples – A new, shocking development has emerged in the investigation into the alleged botched transplant that cost the life of little Domenico Caliendo. The child's family has requested the dismissal of one of the three technical consultants appointed by the preliminary investigations judge to perform the autopsy, a step deemed crucial to clarifying medical liability.
The request was filed in the past few hours with the investigating judge of the Naples Court by Francesco Petruzzi, the lawyer representing the victim's family. The lawyer himself confirmed this when contacted by telephone.
«Positions already expressed in the newspapers»
According to the family's defense, the necessary impartiality requirements required by law were not met. The filed document challenges the position of the cardiac surgeon included in the panel of experts.
"In the ten days prior to his appointment for the autopsy," explains attorney Petruzzi, "the doctor clearly expressed his position on the matter in the newspapers." This circumstance, according to the family, compromises the necessary neutrality required of those called upon to conduct unique technical examinations.
Professional relationships with a suspect
Another factor weighing on the recusal request is Professor Mauro Rinaldi, Professor of Cardiac Surgery at the University of Turin and Director of the University Cardiac Surgery Complex, who is said to have authored a scientific publication co-authored with one of the doctors currently under investigation.
An academic report that, according to the defense, would reinforce doubts about the actual impartiality required by law.
The panel appointed by the investigating judge
The cardiac surgeon is part of the team of specialists appointed by the investigating judge to carry out the autopsy, along with Professor Luca Lorini, director of the Emergency, Urgency and Critical Care Department at the ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII in Bergamo, and Professor Biagio Solarino, associate professor of Forensic Medicine and director of the specialization school at the University of Bari.
The panel is called upon to establish the causes of death and verify any medical errors in the management of the transplant.
The knot of thirdness
The family's request is based on an alleged violation of Article 37 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which governs cases of incompatibility and recusal of judicial assistants.
The decision now goes to the Naples investigating judge, who will decide whether to grant or deny the request. This decision could impact the timing and future of the technical investigations, which are set to be a crucial turning point in the investigation.
Changes and revisions to this article
- Article updated on 28/02/2026 at 11:39 PM - Improved image quality
Source EDITORIAL TEAM
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