Benedetto "Nitto" Santapaola, the historical head of Cosa Nostra, underwent an autopsy after his death on March 2nd. At 87 years old, Santapaola had been serving multiple life sentences in a high-security prison due to his leading role in several violent crimes tied to the Sicilian mafia. His death occurred in the medical department of San Paolo Hospital, where he was transferred due to deteriorating health conditions.

Santapaola was one of the most notorious mafia bosses in Sicily, condemned to 18 life sentences for his involvement in infamous crimes, including the Capaci and Via D'Amelio massacres that led to the deaths of prominent anti-mafia figures Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino, along with their security teams. He was also implicated in the murders of journalist Giuseppe Fava and police inspector Giovanni Lizzio, underscoring his significant impact on violent crime in Italy.

The autopsy was ordered by the Public Prosecutor's Office, reflecting ongoing legal interests in the circumstances surrounding the deaths of notorious mafia leaders. Following the autopsy, Santapaola's remains are scheduled to be cremated in Milan, with the ashes expected to be scattered in a manner yet to be confirmed. This ongoing narrative not only highlights issues of crime and justice in Italy but also the historical legacy of organized crime, which still resonates deeply in Italian society.