Filippo Turetta, the 23-year-old who confessed to the murder of Giulia Cecchettin, is facing a life sentence, with prosecutor Andrea Petroni arguing that the crime was premeditated, cruel, and motivated by stalking. During his closing statements in the Venice Assize Court, Petroni outlined the details of the murder that took place on November 11, 2023, and the subsequent escape of Turetta to Germany. Petroni also provided a chilling account of the toxic relationship between the two, marked by Turetta’s obsessive possessiveness.
Turetta’s premeditation was evident, Petroni explained, referring to a list written by the defendant on November 7, four days before the crime, which included items like tape, a sock to gag Giulia, knives, black trash bags, and cash. As Giulia resisted reconciling with him, Turetta escalated his preparations, including researching places to hide a body and planning his escape. Petroni also highlighted the brutal disposal of Giulia’s body near Lake Barcis in Friuli, where her personal belongings were abandoned, and her phone and laptop were destroyed. Surveillance footage and Turetta’s devices documented these actions.
The prosecutor emphasized the terror Giulia experienced, citing social media exchanges where Turetta’s threats became apparent, and Giulia confided in friends about her fear of him. In court, Turetta sat silently, wearing a maroon hoodie, as the victim’s family members made emotional statements, calling for justice and urging that Giulia be remembered as a symbol of the fight against femicide. The defense will present its case next week, with a potential focus on “restorative justice,” before a final verdict is expected on December 3.
