Restivo had lived across the road from Mrs Barnett and knew her. He said: 'The presence of cut hair after death in both cases, together with the other features relating to the clothing of both victims, is strikingly similar and is akin to a hallmark.įilomena Claps, Elisa's mother, was at court to hear to the opening of the case against Danilo Restivo Mr Bowes explained to the jury that they did not have to establish Restivo's guilt of the murder of Miss Claps but the similarities provided 'powerful evidence' that he was the person who murdered Mrs Barnett. 'In addition, Elisa Clap's trousers and pants were lowered to the same level as those of Heather Barnett and Elisa Clap's bra was cut or broken at the front in the same way as Heather Barnett's bra.' 'In particular, next to her body there were locks of her own hair which had been cut from her head shortly after her death,' Mr Bowes said. The barrister said that there were 'a number of striking similarities' between the two murders. Her body was discovered in a loft of the church almost 17 years later on March 17 last year.

Michael Bowes QC, prosecuting, explained that Restivo, who then lived in Potenza, had arranged to meet Miss Claps at the Most Holy Trinity Church on September 12, 1993. The jury was told the manner in which Mrs Barnett was murdered could be considered Restivo's hallmark, and linked the killing to the murder of 16-year-old Elisa Claps in Potenza, Italy, in 1993.

Accused: Danilo Restivo went on trial today charged with Mrs Barnett's murder

Louisiana serial killer michael barnett