An autopsy is a medical examination performed on a deceased person to determine the cause and manner of death. In the case of Maria Goretti, her autopsy was conducted by Dr. Giovanni Mazzeleni, who was the physician for the town of Nettuno, Italy, where she lived and died.
The purpose of the autopsy was to determine the exact cause of Maria Goretti’s death and to gather evidence to be used in the trial of her killer. Alessandro Serenelli, who was 20 years old at the time, was arrested and charged with her murder. He initially denied the charge but later confessed and was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
During the course of the autopsy, Dr. Mazzeleni discovered that Maria Goretti had been stabbed 14 times, with the fatal wound being a single stab wound to her left lung. The other wounds were primarily defensive in nature, indicating that she had tried to fend off her attacker.
In addition to the wounds, Dr. Mazzeleni also discovered that Maria Goretti’s body was in a state of rigor mortis, which is the stiffening of the muscles that occurs after death. This, along with other evidence, helped to establish the time of her death, which was estimated to be between 7 and 8pm on July 6, 1902.
The autopsy were used in the trial of Alessandro Serenelli, which took place on October 8, 1902. The defense argued that Maria Goretti had not been killed out of malice but rather in a fit of passion, which would have resulted in a lighter sentence. However, the autopsy results and other evidence presented at trial convinced the jury that the murder had been premeditated and Serenelli was ultimately found guilty.
Maria Goretti’s canonization as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1950 has made her a beloved figure among Catholics worldwide. Her story of forgiveness and sacrifice has inspired countless people over the years. However, it is important to remember that she was also a victim of a terrible crime and that her autopsy provided important evidence in the trial of her killer.
In conclusion, Maria Goretti may have undergone an autopsy over a century ago, but her story continues to resonate with people today. While her canonization as a saint has elevated her to a higher status, it is important to also remember her as a real person who suffered a tragic and violent death. Her autopsy served as a reminder of the brutality of her murder and provided critical evidence in the trial that brought her killer to justice.