The reasoning behind the ruling that acquitted Louis Dassilva of murdering Pierina Paganelli has been postponed. A further 90-day extension has been requested beyond the deadline that would have expired today, September 7. The verdict was delivered on June 10, following 16 hours of jury deliberation, with the defendant’s immediate release from custody.
Pierina Paganelli, 78, was killed with 29 stab wounds on the evening of October 3, 2023, in the garage of the apartment building on Via del Ciclamino in Rimini. According to the Prosecutor’s Office, the perpetrator was Dassilva, a neighbor of the victim who had had an affair with her daughter-in-law, Manuela Bianchi. Following the acquittal, the Prosecutor’s Office announced its intention to appeal, but must first wait for the written reasoning to be filed before proceeding.
Meanwhile, Dassilva, who has returned to work since his release, broke his silence once again during an appearance on “Ore 14” on Rai 2. “Reclaiming my life now isn’t easy. Do people believe me guilty? Justice will have the final word,” he said during his face-to-face interview with Salvo Sottile.
Dassilva also addressed his relationship with Manuela Bianchi and the accusations that drew him into the investigation. Asked about the woman’s conduct, he replied: “Perhaps she did it out of revenge, to protect someone else or herself.” He reiterated that his relationship with Bianchi had been purely physical, and that the woman he loves is his wife, Valeria Bartolucci. On the judicial proceedings ahead, his stance remains unchanged: “Now I’m waiting for the appeal, with the same confidence I’ve always had.”
