Netflix’s “Monster of Florence” Fails to Mention Key Character in True Crime Saga

Warning, this article contains spoilers about the series The Monster of Florence. If you haven’t watched it yet, you might want to skip this.

The Monster of Florence is the current buzzworthy Italian series on Netflix. It revolves around Italy’s first serial killer who targeted couples, and it unfolds through the perspectives of four potential suspects: Stefano Mele, Francesco Vinci, Salvatore Vinci, and Giovanni Mele.

While it remains unclear who the true perpetrator is, the one responsible for claiming 18 lives between 1968 and 1985, the police have made several advances, thanks notably to DNA testing that wasn’t available back then.

Although the Netflix series takes certain liberties, the scriptwriters have decided to omit certain plots and even characters. This includes Giovanni Vinci, the eldest of the Vinci family and brother to Francesco and Salvatore.

A Revelation That Sizzles Out

In July 2025, a bombshell dropped in the Italian media. DNA tests, ordered by the Florence prosecutor’s office and conducted by cold case specialist Ugo Ricci, revealed that Stefano Mele’s son was not actually his. The real father turns out to be the elusive third brother, who appears in the files for the first time. While the Netflix series suggested that Stefano was not Natalino’s biological father, it pointed towards the problematic Salvatore. However, reality tells a different story.

This finding keeps the police’s suspicions on the Vinci family, who are directly connected to the first victim, Barbara Locci. Yet, it doesn’t advance the investigation: Giovanni has passed away, and both Salvatore and Francesco have been acquitted (as depicted in the series).

It’s surprising that the Netflix series doesn’t mention the existence of this third brother, especially since he was connected to the first victim. In one of the last scenes of episode 4, we even see Salvatore retreating to a deserted family home, holding a photo with his father and brother, but no sign of the eldest.

It’s likely the scriptwriters didn’t have time to incorporate this plot twist, and the series had already been finalized when the news broke. It may be addressed in season 2, if Netflix decides to renew the series.

Who is the Monster of Florence?

According to criminologist Sergio Caruso, interviewed by Vanity Fair, none of the Vinci brothers is the Monster of Florence:

“The Monster targeted couples and killed them as if to punish their actions. He spared the child (Natalino) because he was innocent, with no sins to atone for. Secondly, he punished couples caught in the act, reflecting a totalitarian Christian viewpoint. In fact, all these couples were involved in extramarital sexual activities. The serial killer, with a missionary zeal, thus sought to purify these couples at the moment of sin, that is, during the sexual act. The only witness, the young Natalino Mele, was saved and taken to the nearest house because, in the extremist Christian view, children represent purity and cannot be killed.” (Thus, he didn’t protect him because he was his father).

Is Caruso’s theory plausible? The Netflix series explores this case through the lens of the first murder and hints that the Monster of Florence was part of Barbara Locci’s circle. Currently, there are more questions than answers.