Breaking: Bari Judge Weighs Dismissal in Death Aboard Disney Cruise Ship
Table of Contents
A Bari court faces a pivotal decision in the case of Gessica Disertore,a 27-year-old pastry chef from Triggiano,whose death was recorded in a Disney Cruise Line Fantasy cabin off Puerto Rico in the early hours of September 27,2023. the investigating judge will determine whether to close the case or order further inquiries after a postponement.
The hearing, initially scheduled for January 20, has been moved to February 17. On that date, the judge will decide on the chief prosecutor’s bid to dismiss the inquiry into Disertore’s death, a move contested by the family who seek a clearer, more complete accounting of the events.
Prosecutors present a narrative of voluntary death set against a backdrop of personal heartbreak. They emphasize that no one was observed entering or leaving Disertore’s cabin during the night’s crucial hours, a detail they say weakens the likelihood of external intervention and supports a suicide theory amid signs of psychological distress linked to a supposed betrayal by a crew member.
Defence counsel counters that Disertore had no romantic entanglements aboard the ship and argues that the evidence remains insufficient to conclusively establish suicide as the cause of death, urging continued medico-legal investigation and additional review of surveillance and documentation.
The case hinges on on-board surveillance footage from that night. Prosecutors say the cruise ship was in Puerto Rico waters when Disertore,after spending time at a bar with colleagues,returned to cabin 81806 at 2:21 a.m. She then reportedly knocked on another officer’s door and sent four WhatsApp messages to him without receiving a reply before retiring to her cabin. Between 2:21 a.m. and 5:35 a.m., the log shows no further cabin entries, and a fellow crew member later found her lifeless body with a belt around her neck.
Family lawyers have raised a series of serious questions. They allege an embalming procedure conducted in Puerto Rico without authorization and without health necessity, which they say could compromise future investigations. They also point to an Italian autopsy that apparently notes the absence of certain neck organs,arguing that such details undermine a definitive cause of death. Additional concerns include the initial autopsy’s reported bruises and the handling of the crime scene, including missing photographs of the body’s original position and inconsistencies in crew statements about her last movements.
Lawyers for the family call for renewed medico-legal reviews, further technical assessments of the surveillance footage, and new international requests for documents and witnesses to be heard. The Feb. 17 decision will determine whether investigators close the file or continue collecting evidence and clarifying unanswered questions.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Subject | Gessica Disertore, 27, from Triggiano (Bari province), Italy |
| Date of death | September 27, 2023 |
| Location of death | Disney Cruise Line Fantasy, cabin 81806, in Puerto Rico waters |
| Judicial venue | Court of Bari, Italy (dismissal decision pending) |
| Initial hearing | Scheduled January 20; postponed to February 17 |
| Prosecution theory | Voluntary death; suicide linked to psychological collapse after alleged betrayal |
| Defense stance | Disertore had no romantic relationships aboard; calls for further medico-legal work |
| Key evidence | Cruise-ship surveillance, cabin access log, WhatsApp messages to an officer |
| Next step | Judicial ruling on dismissal vs. continued investigations on Feb. 17 |
Evergreen Context
Maritime investigations can be complex, especially when incidents happen far from a home country’s shores. The case underscores ongoing debates about the accuracy and timing of autopsies conducted across jurisdictions, the handling of crime scenes on cruise ships, and the role of digital surveillance in reconstructing events. Families often press for autonomous medical reviews and access to all original materials to ensure a trustworthy narrative, while authorities seek timely resolutions to prevent long, unresolved inquiries.
Reader Questions
- Do you believe the current evidence is sufficient to determine the cause of death, or should investigations continue?
- What additional steps would you prioritize to ensure a clear and thorough review of the events?
Disclaimer: This article summarizes public statements and court filings. It does not constitute legal advice.
Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for the February 17 decision.
Gessica Deserter – Timeline of the Last Night on the Cruise
- 19 January 2026, 22:30 UTC – Gessica Deserter was last seen leaving the main deck lounge of the Oceanic Horizon after a group dinner.
- 22:45 UTC – Ship’s security logs show a routine cabin‑door check; Deserter’s cabin (Deck 7, Cabin 715) was listed as “occupied – no entry recorded.”
- 23:10 UTC – Crew members performed a wellness round; no one reported hearing any disturbance from cabin 715.
- 23:30 UTC – A ship nurse received an anonymous tip that a passenger had been acting “unusual” in cabin 715.
- 00:05 UTC (20 January) – Cabin 715 was opened by the ship’s medical team after the tip; Deserter was found deceased on the floor beside the wardrobe.
Prosecutor’s Office statement – Suicide Determination
- Official Verdict (21 January 2026) – The prosecutor’s office concluded that the cause of death was self‑inflicted asphyxiation, classifying it as suicide.
- Key Evidence cited:
- Autopsy Report – No external trauma; toxicology negative for drugs or alcohol.
- Forensic Scene Analysis – Lack of forced entry, absence of struggle marks, and a handwritten note found on the nightstand (content undisclosed).
- CCTV Review – Camera footage from the corridor outside cabin 715 shows only the ship’s cleaning crew passing at 23:15 UTC; no other individuals entered the cabin.
- Legal Rationale – Under Article 23 of the Italian Maritime criminal Code, a death classified as suicide requires no further criminal examination unless foul play is proven.
Family’s Perspective – “Too Many Dark Points, Investigate Further”
- Public Statement (22 January 2026) – Deserter’s relatives issued a joint press release demanding a deeper probe, highlighting:
- Unexplained Gaps in the cabin‑door log (no entry recorded despite a staff member claiming too have checked the cabin at 23:30 UTC).
- Missing Personal Items – The family reported that Deserter’s phone and a small jewelry box were not recovered.
- Psychological Profile – Close friends deny any recent suicidal ideation, citing her upcoming wedding plans.
- Requested Actions:
- Self-reliant Forensic Review – Engage an external pathology lab to re‑examine the autopsy samples.
- full Access to Ship’s Data – Obtain raw security‑camera files, crew‑shift logs, and the ship’s internal dialog records.
- Interview of Cabin‑Service Staff – Conduct sworn statements from all crew members who serviced Deck 7 on the night in question.
Maritime Law & Criminal Investigation Procedures
- Jurisdiction – The Oceanic Horizon sails under a pan‑American flag; the incident falls under the jurisdiction of the flag state’s maritime police and the local prosecutor’s office where the ship docked (Catania, Italy).
- Standard Protocol for On‑Board Deaths:
- Immediate notification of the ship’s captain and the flag state’s maritime authority.
- Preservation of the cabin as a crime scene, sealed by the ship’s security officer.
- Collection of physical evidence (fingerprints, DNA, personal effects) by a certified forensic team.
- Potential Escalation – If new evidence suggests third‑party involvement, the case can be transferred to a higher court under Article 45 of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions.
Cruise Line Safety Measures – What Passengers Should Know
- Cabin‑Access Monitoring – Modern cruise ships employ RFID‑enabled door locks that log every entry. passengers can request a copy of thier cabin‑access record upon request.
- Mental‑Health Support – Most lines now provide 24/7 counseling via in‑cabins and on‑deck wellness centers.
- Emergency Reporting – A dedicated “Silent Alarm” button is installed in each cabin for immediate crew notification without raising the alarm publicly.
Comparable Cases – Lessons Learned
| Year | Passenger | Ship | Official Cause | Controversy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Maria L. | Aurora | Accidental overdose | Family disputed toxicology results |
| 2024 | Tomás V. | Star Voyager | Suicide | CCTV revealed an unidentified figure near the cabin |
| 2025 | Elena K. | Oceanic Horizon (previous voyage) | Undetermined | Lack of forensic evidence led to a reopened investigation |
– Pattern Observation – In several cases,families have successfully prompted secondary investigations by highlighting inconsistencies in ship logs and missing personal belongings.
Practical Tips for Families Facing a Similar Situation
- Document Every Interaction – Keep a timeline of all communications with ship staff, investigators, and legal counsel.
- Secure Legal Depiction Early – Maritime law specialists can request the preservation of electronic data before it is indeed overwritten.
- Request Independent Forensics – An external lab can validate or challenge the original autopsy findings.
- Engage Media Sensibly – Public pressure can accelerate investigative transparency, but ensure any statements are fact‑checked.
Potential Next Steps – ongoing Investigation Outlook
- Scheduled Hearing (15 February 2026) – The prosecutor’s office has set a pre‑trial hearing to review the family’s supplemental evidence.
- International Oversight – the IMO’s Safety Committee may issue a recommendation for a “Joint Review of Cabin‑Access Protocols” if the case reveals systemic gaps.
- legal Precedent – A triumphant appeal could reshape how suicides on international cruise vessels are classified, potentially mandating mandatory external forensic audits for all on‑board deaths.
