They maintained that for them, the legally convicted Alberto Stasi remains the person responsible for the crime, while expressing their desire for the legal process to reach a definitive end.
The Position of Giuseppe Poggi and Rita Preda
They responded to the latest judicial developments concerning the death of their 26-year-old daughter, who was killed in their Garlasco home on August 13, 2007. While the Procura di Pavia recently concluded a new investigation involving Andrea Sempio—a person previously involved and archived in 2017—the Poggi family emphasized their adherence to the established legal outcomes. The interview, which aired on Canale 5 starting at 16:30, was later re-broadcast in its complete version following the program La Ruota della Fortuna.
The justice system has given us a culprit; for us, it is Stasi. If the justice system gives us a new culprit, we will acknowledge it, Giuseppe Poggi and Rita Preda
Giuseppe Poggi noted that the family endured five separate trials over eight years, leading to the definitive conviction of Alberto Stasi, who was Chiara’s boyfriend at the time of the murder. Regarding the new investigation, the parents clarified that they are not inherently opposed to technical inquiries, but they remain anchored to the existing verdict unless the justice system dictates otherwise. They emphasized that they do not change their minds simply because a prosecutor initiates a new investigation.
Criticism of the Media Coverage
Rita Preda described the recent environment as even more difficult than the time following the initial murder. She noted that constant television coverage made it seem as though Garlasco was the only news story in Italy. The parents explained that they accepted the interview with Silvia Toffanin specifically to speak about Chiara, as they felt that in the last year and a half, very little had been said about their daughter. They also addressed the issue of leaked wiretaps, which they found humiliating and inappropriate, noting that they had previously avoided speaking to the press to allow the justice system to perform its duties.
Stasi Pays Civil Damages into Joint Family Account
Giuseppe Poggi provided details on the current status of the civil damages paid by Stasi. He confirmed that the funds are held in a joint bank account shared by the parents and their son, Marco. Stasi has been contributing two-fifths of his earnings from his work to this account. The family stated that should the justice system eventually order a change in the legal findings or the restitution, they would have no difficulty returning the funds. The family has distanced themselves from the recent public statements of their former consultant, Marzio Capra, which have sparked threatened legal action from Stasi’s former consultants, Francesco Maria Avato and Matteo Fabbri.
The Status of Andrea Sempio
The Procura di Pavia recently moved to close the renewed investigation into his involvement. As the case continues to draw national attention, the family’s primary stated desire is for the legal process to reach a final conclusion so that, after 19 years, Chiara may finally rest in peace.