In a tragic turn of events, the lifeless body of Ilaria Sula, a 22-year-old Statistics student at La Sapienza University, was discovered on April 2, 2025, in a suitcase in a wooded area near Poli, just outside Rome. Ilaria had been reported missing since March 25, 2025, sparking an urgent search by her family and friends.
The investigation quickly zeroed in on a 23-year-old suspect, Mark Antony Samson, a Filipino national with whom Ilaria had recently ended a relationship. During police interrogation, Samson confessed to the crime, claiming that he could not cope with the breakup. He directed investigators to the location of Ilaria's body after allegedly placing it in the suitcase and disposing of it in the ravine.
Authorities are also on the lookout for Ilaria's cell phone, which the suspect reportedly discarded in a manhole in Rome. This phone had been active until March 29, 2025, sending messages that led to further concerns about her whereabouts. The police believe that Samson used Ilaria's phone during her disappearance, even posting stories on her social media account.
Charges against Samson include voluntary manslaughter and concealment of a body. The autopsy, conducted at the Institute of Forensic Medicine at La Sapienza University, revealed signs of stab wounds on Ilaria's body, raising the gravity of the crime. The police are investigating an apartment on Via Homs in Rome, where they suspect Ilaria was killed before her body was concealed.
On the evening of her disappearance, Ilaria left her apartment in the San Lorenzo district of Rome around 9 PM without notifying her roommates. Alarmed by her absence, her family reported her missing, stating, "We haven't heard from Ilaria since March 25, and we are extremely worried as her phone is switched off." Messages were reportedly sent from her phone after her disappearance, leading to suspicions that the suspect was using it.
The news of Ilaria's death comes just days after another tragic incident involving another 22-year-old student, Sara Campanella, who was brutally murdered in Messina. Sara was stabbed to death in broad daylight by a stalker, underscoring the alarming prevalence of femicide in Italy.
In response to the growing crisis, Antonella Polimeni, the rector of La Sapienza University, expressed her condolences, saying, "Unfortunately, Ilaria has been found dead. This atrocious and brutal femicide leaves us speechless and heartbroken. In this moment of pain, we stand with the family of our student and the entire university community that joined in a desperate search for her."
Daniele Leodori, a regional councilor for the Democratic Party in Lazio, also weighed in, stating, "The news of Ilaria Sula's death leaves us in shock. A young woman, a student, cruelly taken from life. Femicide is a plague that affects every part of our society and requires responses commensurate with its severity. Words are no longer enough; we need incisive policies and a collective effort to stop this spiral of violence. Respect, equality, and the freedom of women must become an irrefutable foundation of our community."
Ilaria Cucchi, a parliamentarian, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for concrete action to protect women. "The horrific femicide of Ilaria Sula in Rome is yet another tragedy that confirms how violence against women is a social plague that shows no signs of stopping. We must commit to protecting women, and the justice system must do more to combat the patriarchal culture that persists in our society. Education in respect and affection is crucial, starting from schools, to ensure that such tragedies do not happen again."
Giovanni Spanò, a dentist who operates near the suspect's apartment, described the couple's relationship as seemingly affectionate. "They appeared to be very close; he was always polite, smiling, and kind. At first glance, he seemed like a very good guy," Spanò recounted, highlighting the shocking contrast between the couple's public persona and the horrific crime committed.
The recent femicides of Ilaria and Sara have ignited urgent discussions about gender-based violence in Italy, prompting calls for legislative reforms and educational initiatives aimed at preventing such tragedies. Elly Schlein, secretary of the Democratic Party, called for stronger actions against gender-based violence, stating, "We cannot ignore the culture of male possession that continues to thrive. While we have important laws in place, we need to reinforce them and work towards a cultural shift that emphasizes respect and equality for women. Mandatory education on affection and differences in all school cycles is essential to uproot the patriarchal and criminal mindset that leads to violence against women."
Similarly, the Five Star Movement has reiterated the importance of implementing affective education in schools, emphasizing that societal change must begin at an early age to combat the entrenched culture of violence. The recent tragedies serve as a stark reminder that without proactive measures, many more lives could be lost.
In light of these events, Gino Cecchettin, president of the Giulia Cecchettin Foundation, emphasized the need for dialogue and education. He urged students to learn to accept 'no' and to foster open communication with their parents. "We must confront the patriarchal culture that perpetuates violence and work towards a society where women feel free to reject unwanted advances without fear of reprisal," Cecchettin stated.
As the investigation into Ilaria's death continues, the community mourns the loss of two young lives and grapples with the urgent need for societal change to prevent future tragedies. The call for action against gender-based violence has never been more critical, as Italy faces a grim reality where young women are increasingly at risk.
