Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Jo Piazza, a mother of three, embarked on a journey to investigate a century-old cold case murder that has haunted her family for generations. Raised with stories of her great-great-grandmother Lorenza Marsala’s tragic death in Sicily, Jo delved into a web of wild theories surrounding the mysterious circumstances of her ancestor’s murder.
Jo’s curiosity was piqued after discovering her father’s interest in uncovering the truth about Lorenza’s death. Despite warnings from family members about “opening old wounds,” Jo felt compelled to continue her father’s research. She unearthed information about Lorenza’s life, from her birth on February 14, 1862, to her tragic death on February 24, 1916, in the village of Caltabellotta.
Motivated by a desire to connect with her late father, Jo immersed herself in investigating the details surrounding Lorenza’s untimely demise. Her exploration led her to Ellis Island, where she pieced together the story of her family’s immigration journey to America, notably discovering that Lorenza’s children had followed in their father’s footsteps.
Despite warnings from loved ones to tread carefully in her research, Jo’s determination to unravel the truth took her to Caltabellotta, where she delved into local archives and uncovered intriguing details about the circumstances of Lorenza’s death. Rumors of witchcraft, mafia involvement, and even a tale of vengeance by one of Lorenza’s sons added layers of complexity to the mystery.
As Jo’s investigation continues through a true crime podcast and a fictional murder mystery novel inspired by her findings, the quest to shed light on Lorenza’s death remains pivotal. Piece by piece, Jo aims to untangle the threads of her family history and bring closure to a long-standing enigma that has captivated her for years.