In a tragic turn of events, the body of 22-year-old Ilaria Sula, a student at the Faculty of Statistical Sciences at Sapienza University in Rome, was discovered today in a wooded area near Poli, about 40 kilometers from Rome. Ilaria had been reported missing since March 25, 2025, prompting an extensive search by Italian authorities.
The main suspect in her murder is her ex-boyfriend, Mark Samson, a 23-year-old of Filipino origin, who has been detained by police and is facing serious charges of premeditated murder and concealment of a body. According to preliminary investigations, Samson is believed to have stabbed Ilaria multiple times in his apartment located on Via Homs in the Africano district of Rome before attempting to dispose of her body.
What makes this case particularly chilling is that after the murder, Samson allegedly continued to use Ilaria's phone to send messages and post on social media, creating the illusion that she was still alive. This deception was uncovered through phone records, which led investigators to suspect him.
Authorities have confirmed that Ilaria's body was found inside a suitcase, a further detail that has shocked the community. During his interrogation, Samson reportedly confessed to the crime and directed police to the location where he had hidden her body.
Mark Samson had recently graduated in architecture and lived with his parents in the Africano district. Friends and acquaintances described him as a seemingly calm individual who did not exhibit violent behavior. However, some have noted that he had a mysterious side, with one former classmate stating, "He always had something wrong, but I never thought he would do something like this."
In the wake of Ilaria's death, her family, who resides in Terni, expressed their devastation. The university's rector, Antonella Polimeni, described the incident as a horrific murder that has left the entire community in shock. "In this moment of pain, we stand with Ilaria's family and our entire student community," she said.
As the investigation continues, police have also questioned Mark's parents, who are described as hardworking and kind people. Neighbors have expressed disbelief, with one dentist stating, "He was a kind, polite boy who lived with his parents. I never imagined something like this could happen." Another neighbor echoed this sentiment, saying, "It's unimaginable, especially since I saw him just days ago, smiling and greeting everyone."
Mark and Ilaria had been in a relationship for about a year before they broke up. Leon, Ilaria's younger brother, recalled speaking with her two weeks before her disappearance when she visited Terni. He described her as calm and not mentioning any issues. Following her disappearance, her family raised the alarm, prompting immediate action from the police.
The police investigation has revealed that Mark had worked at McDonald's in the past, where he and Ilaria had met. He had recently graduated and was seen as a promising student with a bright future ahead. However, the circumstances surrounding Ilaria's death have raised serious questions about his character and state of mind.
As the community grapples with this tragedy, many are left wondering how someone who appeared so normal could commit such a heinous act. Friends of Ilaria have expressed their disbelief, stating they never perceived any signs of aggression or violence from Mark. "We never thought he had a dark side. It's shocking to think this could happen to someone like Ilaria," one friend remarked.
Authorities are continuing their investigations to fully unravel the circumstances of this tragic event and to bring justice for Ilaria Sula. The case has highlighted the need for discussions around domestic violence and the signs that may precede such tragic outcomes.
As the investigation unfolds, many in the community are calling for greater awareness and preventive measures to protect individuals from similar fates. The loss of Ilaria Sula has left an indelible mark on her family, friends, and the academic community, reminding everyone of the fragility of life and the importance of vigilance in relationships.
