Filippo Turetta, 23, was sentenced to life in prison on Tuesday, December 3, for the brutal murder of his ex-girlfriend, Giulia Cecchettin, a 22-year-old biomedical engineering student.
The case, which has shocked Italy, saw Turetta confess to stabbing Giulia 75 times before hiding her body in black garbage bags at a small ravine near a lake north of Venice.
Giulia was last seen on November 11, 2023, when Turetta picked her up for a day of shopping. However, after she went missing, both Turetta and Giulia’s whereabouts became unclear, sparking a week-long search.
On November 18, her body was discovered in the ravine, leading investigators to find Turetta in Germany the following day, where he was arrested.
During the 10-week trial, Turetta admitted to premeditating the murder. Prosecutor Andrea Petron presented evidence that included a list of items Turetta had prepared for the crime, including knives, black garbage bags, and rope.
Turetta confessed to feeling anger and resentment toward Giulia after their recent breakup and planned the murder as a way to regain control.
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The sentencing came as a devastating moment for Giulia’s family, particularly her father, Gino Cecchettin, who was present in court.
“Nobody is giving me Giulia back,” he said after the verdict. Giulia’s murder has brought attention to femicide and gender-based violence, a topic that has sparked nationwide debate in Italy.
Giulia’s family has since founded the Giulia Cecchettin Foundation to fight against violence toward women.
Along with his life sentence, Turetta was ordered to pay €760,000 in compensation to Giulia’s family.
While justice has been served, Giulia’s family continues to advocate for broader societal change to combat violence against women.