The Rome Court of Appeal has confirmed the acquittal of Franco Mottola, his wife Anna Maria, and their son Marco in the case of Serena Mollicone's death.

Mollicone was found dead in a grove near Arce, a town in Frosinone province, on June 1, 2001. The verdict comes 23 years after the murder, ending a long-standing legal battle.

The decision was met with a surreal silence in the courtroom, with Franco and Marco Mottola visibly moved by the outcome.

This high-profile case has captivated Italy for over two decades, highlighting the complexities of the country's judicial system.