RAVENNA – Renowned dermatologist accused of bludgeoning wife to death, three years after organising an evening to aid female victims of domestic violence.

 Matteo Cagnoni, 51, is a well respected doctor. Author to numerous highly regarded scientific publications, having appeared on television on multiple occasions, the famous dermatologist was set to hold an evening to raise awareness of violence against women in association with the organisation ‘Linea Rosa.'

 Alessandra Bagnara, head of the charitable organisation, remembers that there were many preparatory meetings for the proposed evening, to which Cagnoni “always brought his wife with him.”

 Three years down the line, Cagnoni fled his family home, taking his three children with him, after allegedly beating his wife, Guilia Ballestri, 40, to death. The now infamous doctor was stopped by police on Monday in his parents’ village in Florence.

 Wednesday marks the judicial hearing and Thursday Ballestri’s autopsy in Ravenna. Cagnoni is accused of premediated homicide and concealing the body.

 The autopsy is to be carried out by Franco Tagliaro of the University of Verona. Tagliaro also dealt with the case of Daniela Poggiali, the nurse convicted of provoking the death of her patient through lethal injection.

 Investigators have seized a pair of Cagnoni’s shoes following the discovery of tracks in the family home, along with the barefoot tracks of Ballestri. Two cars are also being inspected as traces of the victim’s blood have been found inside, police sources state.

 According to reconstructions, after losing consciousness due to a blow to the head, the victim may have regained consciousness and attempted to escape the wrath of her husband yet was eventually caught and killed.

 Ballestri’s family, represented by Giovanni Scudellari, say they have “complete trust” in the justice system.

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