MARIA CHINDAMO & SANTA BUCCAFUSCA - Two Women Who Defied the 'Ndrangheta, Then Both Were Gone

On May 6, 2016, Italian businesswoman Maria Chindamo disappeared outside her agricultural property in Calabria. Her car was left running, with blood and signs of a struggle inside. Her body has never been found. Maria disappeared exactly one year after her estranged husband's suicide. Investigators have examined possible motives involving family revenge, her new relationship and interests connected to Calabria's powerful 'Ndrangheta.

Her story echoes another mysterious death from the same territory. In 2011, Santa "Tita" Buccafusca, wife of Mancuso clan boss Pantaleone Mancuso, approached authorities about cooperating with investigators. One month later, she died after ingesting acid. Now, ten...