The quiet mourning of Leonardo’s funeral in Montignano was broken by a message on the phone of the family’s lawyer. It came from another mother, pleading for justice after the death of the 15-year-old student who had taken his own life with his father’s service pistol. The mother alleged that her daughter, a student at the same “Panzini” school, had also been a victim of bullying the previous year. This revelation has fueled growing concerns that Leonardo’s tragic suicide may be linked to unresolved bullying issues within the institution.
The school’s principal, Alessandro Impoco, who attended the funeral, initially dismissed claims of bullying within the school. However, he later issued a letter urging parents to avoid discussing rumors and to provide any relevant information about Leonardo’s case. Impoco has since acknowledged the need for a thorough investigation, calling for transparency to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Leonardo had confided in his parents about the bullying just days before his death. He had also spoken with a support teacher at the school, expressing his desire to transfer. The teacher, however, did not notify the family, explaining that Leonardo had not appeared visibly distressed at the time. This revelation has only deepened the grief of Leonardo’s family, with his mother calling for both earthly and divine justice during the funeral service, seemingly directing her frustration towards those who failed to protect her son.
Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara has ordered an investigation, highlighting the need for schools to detect and address vulnerabilities among students. He emphasized that schools must also teach personal responsibility, and act firmly against bullying and aggressive behavior. Valditara assigned the regional education director, Donatella D’Amico, to lead the inquiry, while local child welfare authorities also voiced their concerns about the deeper societal issues that could be contributing to such tragedies.
The case has now been handed over to the Juvenile Prosecutor’s Office, where investigations are underway following a formal complaint from Leonardo’s parents. Three of his classmates are currently under investigation for incitement to suicide. While no criminal charges have been brought against the school itself, further testimonies have surfaced suggesting that other students may have experienced similar episodes of bullying.
