A 29-year-old Italian model was stabbed to death by her 52-year-old boyfriend, who reportedly broke into her apartment on Tuesday. The deceased, Pamela Genini, was found with more than 20 stab wounds all over her body moments after neighbours heard screams erupting from inside her residence in Milan.
Reports say that Genini was discovered lying in a pool of blood on her balcony when police arrived at the scene. Police also said the suspect, identified as Gianluca Soncin, was still at the apartment and tried to take his life.
Authorities say the attack took place after Soncin allegedly gained access to the model’s apartment using a copied set of keys. According to reports, Genini had just returned home and was on a phone call with another ex-boyfriend when she walked in and found Soncin inside. Her terrified screams drew the attention of nearby residents, who tried to force their way into the apartment to help but were unable to reach her in time.
When police arrived, they reportedly found Soncin standing over Genini’s lifeless body. She had suffered about 24 stab wounds to her neck, back, arms, and hands. Officers say the suspect then turned the knife on himself, stabbing his own neck twice before being subdued by police.
He survived the self-inflicted injuries and was taken to a local hospital, where he is currently under guard. Police report that he has chosen to exercise his right to remain silent.
Investigators believe the killing may have been premeditated. Prosecutors allege that Soncin deliberately obtained a duplicate key to her home and waited for her return. Legal documents reportedly cite aggravating factors, including stalking and premeditation, as prosecutors move to have him remanded into custody once released from the hospital.
Genini, who was born in Bergamo, had been in a relationship with Soncin for a few months, but local reports describe the relationship as troubled. The couple was said to be going through a “period of crisis” before the fatal incident.