Rome, May 17 – A tragic event unfolded on May 13 at the Fatebenefratelli Gemelli Isola hospital in Rome, where 31-year-old Erica Carroccia passed away hours after giving birth to her twins, Damiano and Diletta. The newborns are in good health, but their mother’s sudden death has prompted a culpable homicide investigation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office. Three individuals have been named as suspects: the gynecologist, the head of the medical team that performed the delivery, and a midwife.
Investigation Launched into the Death of Erica Carroccia
Giordano Di Micco, 38, Erica’s husband, is now facing a new life without his wife. He stated, “Now I just hope to know the truth. Because one day I will have to tell Damiano and Diletta why their mother didn’t raise them.” The prosecutor, Nadia Plastina, has ordered the seizure of Erica’s medical records, and an autopsy, to be performed by Dr. Aniello Maiese, is scheduled to be formalized today.
The Community of Sonnino Mourns Erica
Erica’s passing has deeply affected Sonnino (Latina), her hometown, where she married Giordano two years ago. She had recently begun working as a kindergarten teacher. The mayor of Sonnino, Gianni Carroccia, expressed the community’s shock and grief, describing Erica as “a woman with a big heart.”
Diffuse Intravascular Coagulation Suspected as Cause of Death
Preliminary reports from the Public Prosecutor’s Office suggest that Erica may have suffered from diffuse intravascular coagulation (DIC) during childbirth. This fatal complication is believed to have caused a severe hemorrhage. Erica successfully delivered her twins before losing consciousness, and all attempts to revive her were unsuccessful.
Questions Arise Regarding the Delivery Method
A key aspect of the investigation will focus on the decision to proceed with a natural birth despite an initially planned C-section, which is unusual for twin pregnancies. Erica was at 34 weeks, making it a premature birth compared to the typical 38 weeks. Investigators will seek to determine if the DIC condition necessitated an accelerated delivery, and if so, why a C-section was not performed. The autopsy results are expected to provide crucial answers.
Hospital Choice and Ongoing Support
Erica had been under the care of a gynecologist since discovering her pregnancy last October. Regular monitoring throughout the pregnancy showed no alarming signs. The gynecologist had recommended the Fatebenefratelli hospital due to its excellent reputation for childbirth. Giordano Di Micco is being assisted by lawyer Alfredo Frateschi.
The date for Erica’s funeral has not yet been set, pending the completion of the autopsy. The ceremony will take place at the Church of San Michele Arcangelo, where she and Giordano were married two years ago.
Previous Incidents and Broader Context
This incident follows other medical malpractice cases in Italy, including a recent conviction of parents for the death of a newborn in Angri and a request for trial against three consultants for a false expert opinion on a child’s death in Rome. These cases highlight ongoing concerns about medical safety and accountability.
The Rome Public Prosecutor’s Office is committed to a thorough investigation to ascertain the exact circumstances leading to Erica Carroccia’s death and to provide answers to her grieving family.
