Who was arrested in connection with the Burundi nun murders?

Guillaume Harushimana, a 50-year-old Burundian man, was arrested in connection with the murders.

When did the murders of the Italian missionary nuns occur?

The three Italian missionary nuns were murdered on September 7-8, 2014.

What led to the reopening of the Burundi nun murder investigation?

The investigation was reopened in 2024 following new leads from a book by investigative journalist Giusy Baioni.

Home / Crime and Justice / Italian Police Crack Burundi Nun Murder Cold Case

Italian Police Crack Burundi Nun Murder Cold Case

26 Feb

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Summary

Burundian man arrested over decade-old missionary nun murders.
Suspect linked to former Burundi secret police chief.
Investigation reopened in 2024 following book leads.

Italian Police Crack Burundi Nun Murder Cold Case

Italian authorities have apprehended a 50-year-old Burundian national, Guillaume Harushimana, implicated in the 2014 murders of three Italian missionary nuns in Bujumbura. Prosecutors in Parma allege Harushimana was instrumental in instigating, organizing, and supporting the killings of Sisters Olga Rachietti, Lucia Pulici, and Bernadetta Boggian. These tragic events occurred on September 7-8, 2014, in two separate incidents. The murders are believed to have been ordered by General Adolphe Nshimirimana, who headed Burundi's secret police at the time and was himself assassinated in 2015.