Italian model Pamela Genini is dead after authorities say her partner, over 20 years her senior, stabbed the young woman two dozen times on Tuesday.
Milan prosecutor Alessia Menegazzo has charged entrepreneur Gianluca Soncin, 52, with aggravated murder after he allegedly stabbed the 29-year-old 24 times “in the neck, back, chest, upper limbs and hands,” on the third floor terrace of her home, according to a translation of Italian newspaper Il Fatto Quotidiano.
Soncin, who had allegedly abused and stalked the victim, is currently hospitalized in serious condition after twice stabbing himself in the throat, though he’s expected to survive.
Genini was reportedly on the phone with her ex-boyfriend when Soncin — who she’d only been dating a matter of months — entered her Gorla district residence, having pretended to be a delivery man. He’s also believed to have used a copy of her keys, made without Genini’s knowledge.
Police were alerted to the assault at around 10 p.m. local time, thanks to neighbors who heard Genini crying for help.
Il Giorno reports that the couple lived together, though their relationship “had been tense for a long time” and Genini “intended to leave him.” Genini’s ex-boyfriend echoed that information to ANSA.
The charge against Soncin points to the pair’s “emotional relationship,” with the murder serving as “the height of a series of persecution against” Genini.
A lawyer for Soncin told Il Fatto Quotidiano Thursday that his client “is not lucid” and “has not yet become aware of what happened.”
Along with multiple key sets that resemble those used for Genini’s home, authorities have seized about 15 weapons, including knives and pistols, from Soncin’s home in Cervia, about 200 miles southeast of Milan.
Though Genini’s ex-boyfriend has spoken to Soncin’s alleged abuse and threats against her, she never reported them herself.
