In a tragic case that has gripped Italy, the family of Giulia Tramontano, a 29-year-old woman brutally murdered by her partner Alessandro Impagnatiello, is seeking justice as the appeal process unfolds. The family’s lawyer expressed strong hope that the life imprisonment sentence handed down in the first trial will be confirmed, bringing some measure of closure to this devastating femicide.
A Brutal Crime That Shocked a Nation
Giulia Tramontano, who was seven months pregnant with her son Thiago, was killed in May 2023 in her home in Milan. Impagnatiello, her partner, was convicted of stabbing her 37 times and attempting to burn her body in a heinous act that also claimed the life of their unborn child. The court described the crime as “grossly cruel,” noting Impagnatiello’s attempts to cover his tracks, including purchasing gasoline and a cart to transport Giulia’s body. Evidence also revealed he had administered rat poison to Giulia in the months leading up to the murder, targeting the fetus in a chilling attempt to induce an abortion.
The first-degree trial concluded with Impagnatiello receiving a life sentence for the murder of both Giulia and Thiago, a verdict that resonated with advocates fighting against femicide in Italy. However, as the appeal process began on June 25, 2025, the defense argued that Impagnatiello’s actions were not premeditated, painting him as a man overwhelmed by a “castle of lies” rather than a calculated killer.
Family’s Lawyer: “Life Imprisonment Must Stand”
The Tramontano family, devastated by the loss of Giulia and Thiago, has placed their trust in the Italian judicial system to uphold the original sentence. Their lawyer, speaking outside the Milan courtroom, delivered a powerful statement: “We hope that life imprisonment will be confirmed. This is not just about Giulia and Thiago—it’s about sending a message that femicide will not be tolerated. Giulia’s life was stolen in the most horrific way, and justice demands accountability.”
The lawyer emphasized the overwhelming evidence of Impagnatiello’s guilt, including his reckless behavior after the murder, such as moving Giulia’s body through a busy condominium stairwell and leaving incriminating items like the rat poison packaging in plain sight. “This was a calculated act of violence,” the lawyer added, countering the defense’s claims of spontaneity.
The Appeal: A Critical Moment for Justice
The appeal, which began on June 25, 2025, is expected to be a pivotal moment in the case. According to reports, a verdict could be reached as early as today, though the defense’s arguments have sparked concern among femicide activists. They fear that portraying Impagnatiello as a desperate man rather than a cold-blooded murderer could undermine the severity of the crime.
Italy has seen a surge in femicide cases in recent years, with Giulia’s murder becoming a symbol of the urgent need for stronger protections for women. The case has reignited debates about domestic violence, toxic relationships, and the societal factors that enable such tragedies. Advocates are closely watching the appeal, hoping it reinforces the judiciary’s commitment to combating gender-based violence.
A Legacy of Love and Loss
Giulia Tramontano was remembered by her family and friends as a vibrant, kind-hearted woman with dreams of motherhood. Her unborn son, Thiago, represented a future stolen by senseless violence. The family has vowed to keep Giulia’s memory alive, advocating for awareness and prevention of femicide in her honor.
As the courtroom drama unfolds, the Tramontano family’s plea for justice resonates far beyond Milan. Their lawyer’s words echo a collective demand: that perpetrators of femicide face the full weight of the law. Whether the life imprisonment sentence is upheld will not only impact this case but also shape the broader fight against gender-based violence in Italy.