In a tragic turn of events, the body of Ilaria Sula, a 22-year-old statistics student at La Sapienza University, was discovered early on April 2, 2025, in a wooded area near Poli, approximately 40 kilometers from Rome. Her remains were found inside a large suitcase at the bottom of a ravine, leading investigators to launch a homicide investigation.
Authorities have arrested her 23-year-old ex-boyfriend, who is accused of voluntary manslaughter and concealment of a body. According to police reports, it is alleged that he stabbed Ilaria multiple times in an apartment located in the African neighborhood of Rome, before attempting to dispose of her body by sealing it in the suitcase.
The investigation, coordinated by Deputy Prosecutor Giuseppe Cascini, is focusing heavily on the couple's recent breakup. Investigators believe that the young man, of Filipino descent, may have used Ilaria's phone to send messages and post on her social media accounts after her death, which has raised further suspicions against him.
Ilaria was last seen on the evening of March 25, 2025, when she left her apartment in the Furio Camillo area without informing her roommates. Concerned for her safety, her family filed a missing person report with the San Lorenzo police station shortly after her disappearance. As the search intensified, appeals for information flooded social media, drawing attention from friends and fellow students.
According to her roommates, Ilaria had left home around 9:30 PM, stating nothing about her plans. “She didn’t say goodbye or mention where she was going,” they recounted, expressing their shock and worry after she failed to return.
The police investigation quickly narrowed in on her ex-boyfriend, who had reportedly been in communication with Ilaria before she went missing. It was during the interrogation that he allegedly pointed to a parking lot in the African neighborhood as a potential meeting spot between them. This led investigators to further scrutinize the area, where they believe the events that led to Ilaria's death may have transpired.
As part of the investigation, authorities analyzed phone records, which revealed that the ex-boyfriend had accessed Ilaria's social media accounts, posting stories after her disappearance. This critical evidence has been pivotal in building the case against him.
“It is a horrific and brutal femicide that leaves us speechless and with broken hearts,” said Antonella Polimeni, the rector of La Sapienza University, expressing her condolences to Ilaria’s family and friends. She noted the community's collective effort in searching for Ilaria during the past week.
The autopsy on Ilaria's body is set to be conducted at the Institute of Forensic Medicine at La Sapienza University, which will provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding her death. Meanwhile, the investigation continues as police gather more evidence and testimonies to piece together the timeline of events.
The tragic loss of Ilaria Sula has sparked outrage and sorrow within the community, highlighting the urgent need for discussions surrounding violence against women. As the investigation unfolds, many are left wondering how such a horrific act could happen to a young woman with so much potential.
Ilaria Sula was a bright student, originally from Terni, who had dreams and aspirations like many of her peers. Her untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by young women today. As the community mourns her loss, calls for justice grow louder.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to Ilaria's case to come forward as they continue to seek justice for her and her family. The investigation remains ongoing, with a focus on uncovering the truth behind this tragic event.
The discovery of Ilaria's body has not only brought closure to her family but has also ignited a conversation about safety, relationships, and the importance of addressing domestic violence. As the community rallies together in remembrance of Ilaria, they hold onto the hope that her story will lead to meaningful change.
As the investigation progresses, the community of Terni and beyond will continue to honor Ilaria’s memory, advocating for a safer future for all.
