The Monster of Florence Case Leaves Legacy of Unsolved Serial Killings

Netflix's limited series The Monster of Florence dramatizes the chilling true crime story of a serial killer who targeted couples in secluded spots near Florence, Italy, between 1968 and 1985. The killer, known for using a .22 caliber Beretta handgun and mutilating female victims, was never definitively caught, despite several convictions and ongoing investigations. The series focuses on the early years of the investigation, exploring various suspects and theories, including the 'Sardinian trail' involving the Meles family, and portrays the intense hysteria and paranoia that surrounded the case. Key suspects such as Pietro Pacciani, Mario Vanni, and Giancarlo Lotti were convicted but later acquitted or had their convictions overturned, leaving the true identity of the Monster unknown. The show highlights how the investigation split into different tracks that often failed to converge and presents the story without asserting a definitive conclusion about the killer’s identity. The victims' families continue to campaign for re-examination of evidence, underscoring the enduring mystery and impact of these crimes.