Toddler Dies From Brutal Beatings; Mother and Partner Arrested

A 2-year-old girl in Italy has died from what prosecutors describe as "cruel" and "savage" beatings inflicted by her mother's partner and the mother.

Manuel Iannuzzi, the mother's partner, was arrested on charges of aggravated and continuous mistreatment resulting in death. The mother, identified only as M.A., was already in custody for the child's death and now faces the same charges as Iannuzzi. The investigation was prompted by the discovery of the child's body on February 9, with the medical examiner noting bruises and abrasions.

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We couldn't go on like this, humanly speaking. We felt we already had very consistent evidence, and time was passing.

Investigators in Imperia, coordinated by the prosecutor's office, acted swiftly due to the "very consistent" evidence, even before the final reports from forensic experts. Prosecutor Alberto Lari stated they could not "humanly continue like this" and felt compelled to act. The court order details "very serious indications of guilt" gathered over months, including statements from the victim's two older sisters.

The alleged abuse included slaps, punches, hair pulling, blows with a slipper, and being pushed against walls. Investigators believe the child's death was the culmination of prolonged mistreatment. Disturbing evidence found on Iannuzzi's phone included photos of the child after beatings and a video showing her being forced to smoke, with the adults reportedly laughing. The prosecutor described the situation as a "regime of oppressive prevarication and intolerable continuation of cohabitation."

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The judge spoke of a regime of oppressive prevarication and an intolerable continuation of cohabitation.