Rome, 10 Aug. (LaPresse) – It is in the personal relationship between Valter Lavitola and Sigfrido Ranucci (the victim of the attack and not under investigation) that Rome’s investigating magistrate, Iole Moricca, identifies the motive which, according to the pre-trial detention order, is said to have driven the former publisher and businessman to commission the attack on the journalist and presenter of *Report*. A plan which, according to the judge, is said to have had a dual objective: to protect Ranucci and to boost his popularity. “Well, there is no doubt that the findings set out here represent a formidable motive for the criminal act carried out,” writes the investigating judge in the 198-page order with which she ordered Lavitola’s arrest. Central to the analysis are the messages found on the phone, which are said to prove the relationship with Ranucci. According to the judge, Lavitola “presented himself as someone ready to support Ranucci in times of difficulty and, in the face of his television successes, as a sycophant and great admirer. Lavitola is said to have nurtured the idea of convincing Ranucci to enter politics”. On 29 July 2024, during a difficult period in his professional life, he reportedly wrote to him: “It’s time to leave”, suggesting he give up journalism. On 26 June 2025, the message was reportedly even more explicit: “In any case, I think it’s clear to you that every attack against you serves to help you grow further; try to make the most of it, otherwise you risk your health”.
Ranucci assassination: investigating judge on Lavitola: “The motive lies in his personal relationship with the presenter”
Rome, 10 Aug. (LaPresse) – It is in the personal relationship between Valter Lavitola and Sigfrido Ranucci (the victim of the attack and not under investigation) that Rome’s investigating magistrate, Iole Moricca, identifies the motive which, according to the pre-trial detention order, is said to have driven the former publisher and businessman to commission the attack on the journalist and presenter of *Report*. A plan which, according to the judge, is said to have had a dual objective: to protect Ranucci and to boost his popularity. “Well, there is no doubt that the findings set out here represent a formidable motive for the criminal act carried out,” writes the investigating judge in the 198-page order with which she ordered Lavitola’s arrest. Central to the analysis are the messages found on the phone, which are said to prove the relationship with Ranucci. According to the judge, Lavitola “presented himself as someone ready to support Ranucci in times of difficulty and, in the face of his television successes, as a sycophant and great admirer. Lavitola is said to have nurtured the idea of convincing Ranucci to enter politics”. On 29 July 2024, during a difficult period in his professional life, he reportedly wrote to him: “It’s time to leave”, suggesting he give up journalism. On 26 June 2025, the message was reportedly even more explicit: “In any case, I think it’s clear to you that every attack against you serves to help you grow further; try to make the most of it, otherwise you risk your health”.