Italian prosecutors seize apartment and second phone in Denise Cosco death inquiry

Prosecutors seize apartment and phone in Ariccia

On 12 September 2026, the Velletri Public Prosecutor's Office ordered the seizure of the apartment in Ariccia where 35-year-old Denise Cosco lived before her fatal fall. Investigators from the Frascati Carabinieri investigative unit inspected the home for a second time, finding a second mobile phone that had not been recorded during initial emergency operations. Forensic specialists will analyze both devices to review call records, messaging applications, and recent contacts. The public prosecutor's office, directed by Chief Prosecutor Carlo Villani alongside prosecutor Domenico Vicario, is proceeding under an investigative file for incitement to suicide against unknown persons.

Timeline of the incident and medical findings

Denise Cosco fell from the third-floor balcony of her residence in the Castelli Romani town on 6 September 2026. Emergency medical teams airlifted her to San Camillo Hospital in Rome, where she succumbed to her injuries on 10 September 2026. An autopsy performed on 11 September 2026 found no defensive marks or physical trauma indicative of an altercation before the fall, reinforcing the initial assessment of a voluntary act. Authorities placed seals on the residence to allow additional scientific tests and structural examinations across the rooms and balcony.

Partner scheduled for questioning by prosecutors

Investigators plan to question Denise Cosco's partner, who was the sole individual inside the apartment when the fall occurred. On 6 September 2026, local municipal police encountered the partner in the central square of Ariccia during the town's annual festival. Officers described him as intoxicated and agitated, shouting threats that referenced the criminal influence of Denise's imprisoned father. Carabinieri detectives requested a comprehensive written report from the municipal police regarding the encounter, seeking to clarify the partner's activities and statements on that afternoon.

Background in anti-mafia testimony

Denise Cosco had lived in Ariccia under an assumed identity with her partner and their four-year-old son. She was the daughter of Lea Garofalo, who challenged the 'Ndrangheta clan of Petilia Policastro before being abducted and murdered in Milan in 2009 by Denise's father, Carlo Cosco. Denise testified against her father in court in Milan, refuting claims by defense lawyers that her mother had fled to Australia. She later exited the witness protection programme to build an autonomous life, although she had recently initiated contacts toward reconciliation with her father in prison. Former legal counsel and current Democratic Party Senator Enza Rando represented Denise during legal actions.

“Denise did not want to be just a daughter, she wanted her own identity, which is why she decided to walk on her own feet.”

Following the death, her aunt Marisa Garofalo shared images of Denise on Facebook, publicly displaying her face after years of concealment.

“No one can decide for you anymore, you will no longer have to hide, I can post your photos without fear. I can show your face and your beautiful eyes. You will no longer have to change your name, you will forever be called Denise.”