A 33-year-old Brazilian woman was stabbed to death inside her home in Castelnuovo del Garda, on the outskirts of Verona, in northern Italy.
The crime occurred at the end of last week. The victim's partner, also Brazilian, who confessed to the murder, was arrested by local police.
The victim was identified as Jessica Stapazzolo Custodio de Limawhile the aggressor is Douglas Reis Pedroso, 41 years old. According to the Verona Public Prosecutor's Office, the woman had previously reported her partner for assaults and was being monitored by Italian authorities for cases of domestic violence.
Jessica's body was found in her apartment after friends informed the police that they had been unable to contact her since the previous Saturday. The medical examiner confirmed that the victim was killed with multiple stab wounds. The weapon used in the crime was found in the assailant's car.
According to investigators, Pedroso called the Carabinieri around midnight, stating that he intended to take his own life. When he was found, he showed signs of mental confusion and was under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
The Brazilian man was already facing charges for mistreatment, bodily harm, and sexual assault.. In April 2025, he was arrested for assaulting Jessica, who was dragged along the asphalt and hit with a car key.
The mayor of Castelnuovo del Garda, Davide SandriniHe stated that the city is "deeply shaken" by the crime and that a ceremony will be held to honor the victim.
The case reignites the debate about gender violence in Italy. Amid a rise in femicides, the Senate approved a bill in July that includes the crime of femicide in the Italian penal code, with a life sentence and severe restrictions on prison benefits. The text awaits final approval in the Chamber of Deputies.
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