The sociologist and journalist Mauro Rostagno was killed on 26 September 1988 in Valderice at the behest of Ciccio Messina Denaro, father of Matteo. Rostagno was killed for having unveiled the links between the Mafia, Freemasonry and politics in the Trapani area. Among the many delicate investigations that he dealt with there was a particularly burning one, concerning Gladio, the paramilitary organization.