Baby Dead, Mother in Cell but Grandmother Commits Suicide: “It Was My Fault”

She took her own life last Thursday by throwing herself under a train. Gerarda Picciariello, 61, from Pontecagnano (Salerno), left her family a farewell letter in which she takes responsibility for the death of her granddaughter Chiara, which occurred 10 years ago, two months after her birth: a death for which Chiara’s mother, Denise Schiavo, Gerarda’s daughter, is currently in prison, sentenced to 10 years in prison. The Corriere della Sera is telling the story, publishing excerpts from the letter.

In 2014, Chiara was born, a premature baby girl who was forced to spend a long time in hospital. After being discharged, the little girl was readmitted shortly after: she had bruises on her body, and it was later discovered that her temples and some ribs were broken: she had suffered trauma and the treatments she was given were unable to save her. She died at two months old in the Santobono pediatric hospital in Naples. Her parents turned to the judiciary asking for light to be shed on the tragedy, and after pursuing other leads, the investigation focused on Denise Schiavo. The forensic medical report established that Chiara died as a result of shaken baby syndrome, and according to the Salerno Prosecutor’s Office, it was her mother who shook her until she suffered internal bleeding, probably in a moment of impatience. Denise was sent to trial for manslaughter and sentenced to ten years.
However, her mother Gerarda is convinced of Denise’s innocence, asks for a pardon from President Mattarella, and asks for a review of the trial. At a certain point, she becomes convinced that her granddaughter’s death was her fault, and in her farewell letter she explains why: “A veil has lifted from my mind, I see myself with the baby in my arms while I try to put her in her stroller housed in the three-door Fiat Stilo, it was the end of August, I feel dizzy and the baby’s head hits the door. I swear, I had forgotten that episode.” Then the dramatic epilogue: “Tell me, what else could I do if not take my own life? I ask you to forgive me.”
Lawyer Michele Sarno, who defended Denise in court, has now announced a new request for clemency to the Head of State and a further attempt to obtain a review of the trial. (ANSA).