Tragic death of woman who testified against father in notorious mafia murder of mother

What the report says

BBC World News reports that Denise Cosco, who testified against her father and the powerful 'Ndrangheta clan over the 2009 murder of her mother, Lea Garofalo, has died after being found critically injured in Rome on Sunday. She was 35. The article says police and prosecutors are treating her death as a possible suicide and have opened an inquiry, including analysis of her phone.

Cosco’s mother became a prominent anti-mafia figure after turning state witness against the clan in southern Italy. She was later killed in a case that drew national attention and made her a symbol for women resisting organised crime. According to the BBC, Denise Cosco later spoke at her father Carlo Cosco’s trial, where she described herself as a witness for justice and explained that testifying was part of trying to rebuild her life.

The report says both mother and daughter lived under state protection for years and used new identities. Supporters told the BBC that Cosco remained vulnerable despite that protection, especially given family ties to organised crime and reported struggles with mental health and addiction. Anti-mafia figures said her death shows how difficult it can be for people who break with criminal networks to live safely and independently.

Friends and supporters were due to gather in Milan to remember her near the place where her mother was abducted. The BBC notes that the case has renewed attention on the long-term support needed for witnesses and relatives who leave mafia life behind.