In a significant development regarding the unsolved case of Roberta Martucci, who disappeared in 1999, her sister, Lorella Martucci, has reported an important clue to the authorities in Lecce. Lorella recalled a woman's memory of discovering a pile of stones near the site of Roberta's disappearance, which was accompanied by a persistent and unpleasant smell. This location, on the coastal stretch between Gallipoli and Ugento, raises the possibility that the stones might indicate a hidden memorial or burial site for Roberta, prompting her sister to seek further investigation into this lead.

Following a long wait for a response, the Puglia-based organization Penelope, which supports families of missing persons, has stepped in to assist Lorella Martucci. They brought along a molecular dog named Pack, specially trained to detect human remains, to help explore the area mentioned in Lorella's report. On March 9, 2026, a saliva sample from Lorella was collected and presented to Pack, who subsequently started to conduct a thorough search of the coastal region, aiming to uncover any potential evidence regarding Roberta's fate.

This development represents not only a renewed hope for the Martucci family but also highlights the ongoing efforts to solve cold cases in Italy. The involvement of trained animals like Pack reflects an innovative approach to forensic investigation, demonstrating how the latest in detection technology can aid in the search for truth and closure in missing person's cases. As the investigation progresses, it will be critical to see if this initiative leads to new insights into Roberta Martucci’s long-unsolved disappearance.