Chiara Petrolini, a 22-year-old babysitter from Vignale Traversetolo known for her impeccable references, has been accused of a chilling crime. She is alleged to have allowed one of two newborns found in the garden of a duplex home on Via Baietta to die without providing any care. After the infant’s death, Petrolini reportedly placed the baby in a bag and buried it close to her bedroom window, beside another child born a year earlier. Authorities are awaiting DNA results to confirm the identity of the second infant. Following these events, Petrolini traveled to New York with her family. Parma’s deputy prosecutor Francesca Arienti is investigating the case for double homicide and concealment of a body. Petrolini has denied any wrongdoing, claiming the baby was stillborn.
Petrolini’s mother-in-law, Sonia Canrossi, doubts the young woman’s solitary involvement. She insists that Petrolini could not have acted alone, a sentiment echoed by investigators who are currently searching for possible accomplices, though no leads have emerged. Upon returning from New York, Petrolini has denied all allegations, including those regarding DNA evidence and the discovery of the second infant’s body. Her family remains tight-lipped, and traces of blood have been found in the bathroom, with authorities taking soil samples from the garden, raising concerns about the possible presence of a third deceased infant.
The second burial occurred on August 7, and the following evening, Petrolini was reportedly at a local wine tasting event just 500 meters from her home. Carabinieri have reviewed footage from the event for evidence. The autopsy on the second infant revealed no signs of violence, and the baby was only a few hours old when it passed away. Petrolini maintains that the child was stillborn to avoid the more severe charge of intentional infanticide. Authorities are investigating the possibility of missing skeletal fragments from the second baby and have noted suspicious searches on Petrolini’s phone, including queries about giving birth to a second child.
Petrolini had previously worked as a babysitter for local entrepreneur Enrico Castellani, who spoke highly of her skills and dedication. Castellani’s children, who adored Petrolini, were reportedly stunned by the accusations. The babysitter’s summer job as a swimming pool instructor also highlighted her trusted reputation in the community. Castellani’s children are deeply affected by the allegations, with the older child aware of the situation but the younger ones kept in the dark.
The case has sparked widespread shock and disbelief in Vignale Traversetolo. Investigators describe Petrolini as cold and unresponsive during interrogations, showing no remorse even after being informed about the discovery of the second infant’s body. Local residents are questioning how such grave events could have gone unnoticed, pondering how no one—family members or neighbors—heard any signs of distress during the supposed births. The community remains unsettled as they await further revelations from the ongoing investigation.
