Italy is shocked after the murder of 22-year-old Sara Campanella in the city of Messina, Sicily. The young woman was attacked and stabbed in broad daylight by 27-year-old Stefano Argentino, who had been stalking her for two years, reports the BBC, reports News.bg.
According to witnesses, Argentino approached Campanella on the street and attacked her. She tried to run away, shouting “Stop, let me go!“, but was knocked to the ground. Sara died on the way to the hospital.
The attacker was arrested a few hours later in the city of Noto. His lawyer said he had admitted his guilt but had not given an explanation for the attack.
Harassment, missed calls and a tragic end
Messina prosecutor Antonio D’Amato revealed that Argentino had been harassing the victim for a long time, insisting on having sex despite her refusals.
“In one case, a friend of Sara's had to intervene after Argentino started complaining that she was no longer smiling at him,“ D’Amato said.
However, Campanella never reported the incident to the police because she did not believe his behavior posed a serious threat. Shortly before the murder, however, she sent a message to friends saying: “This sick man is haunting me.“
“She just wanted to be left alone“
Sara Campanella's mother wrote an emotional message on social media:
“My daughter bravely believed that a “No“ would be enough. She just wanted to be left alone, to live, to dream and to finish.“
She urged women to speak out and seek help: “You should always go to the police! Help me give Sarah a voice.“
The murdered girl's brother also said in an interview with Italian television: “Unrequited love or attention can never be the reason for such behavior. There is no excuse.“
Violence against women - a growing problem in Italy
The murder of Sara Campanella is the latest case of femicide in Italy. In the past month alone, four women have died, killed by their partners or ex-partners.
Shockingly, less than 48 hours after the tragedy in Messina, the media was already focused on another case - the body of 22-year-old Ilaria Sulla was found hidden in a suitcase in Rome.
In response to the growing violence, the Italian government has passed a new bill that includes tougher penalties for stalking, violence and sexual crimes, as well as introducing the concept of “femicide“ into the law.