Botulism and hemorrhagic pneumonia caused the death of Roberta Pitzalis, the 38-year-old woman from Guasila who died last Friday at Cagliari’s Businco Hospital. This finding emerged from an autopsy conducted by forensic pathologist Matteo Nioi, appointed by the Prosecutor’s Office.
Pitzalis had been transferred to Businco from Brotzu Hospital after consuming guacamole sauce at the Fiesta Latina event in Monserrato, a municipality within the Cagliari metropolitan area where she resided. The food was eaten between July 22 and 25.
Alberto Chighine, an expert appointed by the family’s lawyer Francesco Marongiu, attended the autopsy. Conversely, Maurizio Mereu, representing Cristian Gustavo Vincenti (the kiosk owner who sold the guacamole and currently the sole suspect), opted against appointing an independent expert. Investigators are examining the victim’s prior health and potential negligence in her treatment.
The autopsy confirmed fatal botulism, with hemorrhagic pneumonia developing as a complication following intubation during her hospitalization. Full histological analysis results are still pending.
Pitzalis was initially hospitalized at Brotzu alongside five others poisoned at the same event. An 11-year-old boy was transferred to Rome’s Gemelli Polyclinic, underwent surgery, and remains hospitalized. A 14-year-old girl and a 62-year-old woman are still receiving care at Monserrato Polyclinic. The four other patients admitted to Brotzu were discharged last week.