A 33-year-old woman, Jessica Stappazzollo Custodio de Lima, was brutally stabbed to death by her ex-boyfriend in Castelnuovo del Garda, Verona, northern Italy, after he removed an ankle monitor meant to keep him away from her. Jessica, originally from Brazil and working as a shop assistant in Italy, was stabbed 27 times, including twice in the heart, dying from hemorrhagic shock.
Her ex, 41-year-old Douglas Reis Pedroso, also Brazilian, confessed to the killing during questioning before a Verona court. Prosecutors revealed that the ankle monitor meant to prevent him from approaching Jessica was removed and hidden, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of such surveillance systems.
Pedroso had a history of abuse toward Jessica, with recorded assaults dating back to August 2024. In April, he was detained for violently attacking her, including dragging her by the hair, punching her, and striking her with car keys. He was then ordered not to approach her within 500 meters. At the time of the murder, the ankle monitor was no longer in use.
On the night of the murder, Pedroso reportedly contacted authorities, expressing suicidal intentions. Police found Jessica’s body in his home and recovered the knife used in the attack from his car. Investigators also found six doses of cocaine and several bottles of alcohol at the scene. Pedroso, who had prior convictions for DUI and was known for heavy drug use, claimed during interrogation that he could not remember the crime due to being under the influence.
Jessica’s sister criticized authorities for not taking stronger action earlier, noting Jessica had reported previous assaults but was allegedly intimidated into withdrawing complaints. The tragedy has renewed calls in Italy for stricter protections against violent ex-partners, with a new bill currently being approved to strengthen victim safeguards and anti-violence measures.
