Doctor and Nurses Acquitted in Death of Salvatore Iaccino

Acquittal in Mendicino Clinic Death

Judge Claudia Pingitore of the Court of Cosenza has acquitted Bruna Scornaienchi and three nurses—Antonio Cozzetto, Nicolò Cozzetto, and Pasquale Caputo—of involuntary manslaughter. The court cleared the medical staff of all charges regarding the death of Salvatore Iaccino, ruling that the alleged offense did not occur. The decision concludes a trial held under an abbreviated procedure.

The Fatal Incident at Villa degli Oleandri

Salvatore Iaccino died on February 17, 2025, while a patient at the Villa degli Oleandri clinic in Mendicino. Investigators determined the cause of death was suicide by hanging. Prosecutors had argued that the staff failed to provide adequate care for the patient, who had a documented history of chronic psychosis and prior self-harm. According to the prosecution’s initial theory, the patient was not properly monitored, and his therapeutic regimen was inconsistently administered.

Disputed Standards of Care

The prosecution’s case centered on the administration of medication between February 5 and February 17, 2025. Records cited by investigators indicated that medication was administered consistently only on February 14. Bruna Scornaienchi, identified as responsible for the department, faced accusations that she failed to properly supervise the therapeutic process, verify drug administration, or document the patient’s refusals to take medication.

Expert Testimony and Defense Strategy

Defense attorneys Innocenzo Palazzo and Carlo Monaco countered the allegations by presenting expert testimony to the court. The proceedings involved a complex review of technical contributions from several consultants:

• Prosecution experts: Cavalcanti and Vercillo.
• Civil party experts (representing the Iaccino family): Fonte and Morelli.
• Defense experts: Professor Ferracuti and Dr. Domenico Buccomino.

The court issued the acquittal using the formula “perché il fatto non sussiste” (because the fact does not exist). This ruling formally clears the medical professionals of the charges brought following the investigation. The trial followed an indictment request filed on December 3, 2025. The family of Salvatore Iaccino participated as a civil party, represented by attorneys Mattia Caruso, Maurizio Nucci, Cristian Cristiano, and Angelo Nicotera.