Serafino Pelizzioni

Case name

The Negretti Murder Case

Background

The Golden Anchor, a pub in London EC1, was owned by ex-policeman Frederick Shaw. Boxing Day in 1865 was when a fight broke out between a group of Englishmen and a group of Italians, resulting in the death of one of the Englishmen.

Henry Negretti was the senior partner of Negretti & Zambra, the well-known scientific instrument makers. Henry Negretti was also described as a well-esteemed and reputable member of the local community and as having in the past acted as an unofficial judge amongst his fellow countrymen.

Serafino Pelizzioni was an Italian who was also wounded at the scene. He was accused of the murder. Henry Negretti set about investigations because the case puzzled him.

The offence

A fight between a group of Englishmen and a group of Italians led to the death of one of the Englishmen.

A murder weapon was discovered 20 yards from the pub. The accused, Serafino Pelizzioni, had not been able to leave the building and could not have dropped or thrown the weapon after allegedly stabbing the Englishman.

Further questioning revealed that Serafino Pelizzioni had been at another pub at the height of the fray. It was stated that Pelizzioni’s cousin, a Gregorio Mogni who resembled him, was responsible.

Despite Henry Negretti’s interventions, Pelizzioni was charged with “Wilful Murder” and sentenced to hang.

Investigation

Henry Negretti knew that an innocent man had been convicted. Through his contacts, Henry Negretti discovered the whereabouts of Mogni, confronted him and obtained a confession.

The confession was repeated to the Superintendent at Kings Cross police station. However, it was not taken seriously.

Henry Negretti then resorted to the British prerogative of arresting Mogni himself. The Crown refused to prosecute, so it was up to Henry Negretti to bring the charge of murder in a private case.

Evidence that had been ruled out as hearsay at the trial of Pelizzioni could now be told. Several eyewitnesses identified Mogni as the person who had wielded the knife.

Trial

Serafino Pelizzioni had been tried on the charge of “Wilful Murder” and sentenced to hang.

Gregorio Mogni was committed to stand trial at the Old Bailey. He was initially charged with wilful murder, and the charge was later amended to manslaughter.

After Henry Negretti presented a very strong case, the Grand Jury returned a verdict of manslaughter. Gregorio Mogni was sentenced to five years imprisonment.

Henry Negretti was commended for his public-spirited action, and the authorities were seriously rebuked for their mistake.

Outcome

Serafino Pelizzioni was sentenced to death February 5, 1865. He was pardoned and released April 13, 1865.

The English Justice system was described as facing an extraordinary situation in which two separate individuals had both been prosecuted and convicted of killing the same man.

Aftermath

Henry Negretti’s detective work was described as having its reward on Easter Monday of that same year, when he was notified that “Her Majesty had been pleased to grant Serafino Pelizzioni a full pardon and had ordered his immediate release.”