Denise Cosco, a former witness who had testified against her father in the 2009 murder trial of her mother Lea Garofalo, was found critically injured on Sunday and later died in a Rome hospital. Her death has prompted investigations into whether there was any incitement to suicide, with her phone seized for analysis.
Co‑president of the anti‑mafia organisation Libera, Francesca Rispoli, said the suicide highlighted the struggles many break‑away survivors face. "The mafia is not just an act of violence; it embeds itself in families, leaving wounds deep inside that cannot be healed easily," she told the BBC.
Cosco, who lived under state protection with a new identity for many years, had also struggled with mental health problems and addiction. Friends and supporters, who were scheduled to gather in Milan to honour her, described her life as a balance of courage and suffering that finally tipped toward despair.
In the 2009 case, Cosco’s mother was murdered by the 'Ndrangheta clan; the murder was carried out by her father and three accomplices who are now serving life sentences. Cosco’s testimony was seen as a turning point for justice in Italy’s war against organised crime.
The case speaks to the lasting reverberations of the Mafia: those who cooperate with the state endure ongoing threats and isolation. Agencies are now urged to provide long‑term support rather than temporary assistance for people like Cosco.
If you or someone you know is affected by the issues raised in this story, the BBC Action Line has information on organisations that can offer advice and support.
