The aim of this research is to propose an innovative technique of the psychological autopsy.Compared to the classic MAPI model,our procedure is structured on each single case by adapting the interview to the environmental circumstances,the socio-cultural characteristics of the subject examined and to the weapon used in the criminal act.We believe that this approach improves both confidence and compliance of the interviewee and the chances of obtaining information that could escape a standardized investigation.In one of the cold cases we studied,this new protocol led to the discovery of biological material coming from the crime scene,which had been secretly hidden by the subject for over 50 years.The aim of our work was also to coordinate the activity of the interviewer,trying to avoid repetition in the interviews that could lead to an alteration of the answers to the questions asked.In the first phase,questions with open-ended responses were preferred.In later stages,we asked specifically worded questions.We were careful not to formulate questions that had already been asked.It must be emphasized that for each case of psychological autopsy only one operator handled the interview.
