ROME — 1975 · Murder

The Pier Paolo Pasolini Case

ClosedSources: BLast updated: 14 October 2026

The body of Italian film director, poet and writer Pier Paolo Pasolini was found on a patch of land at Ostia near Rome on 2 November 1975. The next day a 17-year-old confessed and was convicted in 1976. Pasolini's circle and many journalists argued that more than one person was involved and that the killing may have been political. In 2005 the convicted man retracted his confession and blamed three unknown men; the case was reopened but evidence was insufficient. DNA tests in 2010 identified no one new. The full background of the killing has never been officially established.

Date
1975
Place
Ostia, Italy, Rome, IT
Category
Murder
Case Status
Closed
Coordinates
41.7350, 12.2700 ↗

Timeline of Events

  1. 2 November 1975Pasolini's body was found at Ostia.
  2. 1976The youth who confessed was convicted.
  1. 2005He retracted; the case was reopened.
  2. 2010New DNA analysis produced no result.

Sources

Source grade B: at least one verifiable linked source. If you spot a mistake or something missing, report it with "Suggest a correction" in the app.

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🕯️ This record was prepared with respect, in memory of those who lost their lives.