Germany, July 2, 2025 – A gruesome discovery has reignited a 17-year-old cold case, as authorities confirmed the recovery of a human head in a garden in Germany, believed to belong to Benma, the victim of a shocking beheading along Italy’s A22 highway in 2008.
The head was found buried in the garden of the victim’s father-in-law in a quiet German suburb, following a tip-off to local police. The remains are undergoing DNA testing to confirm their identity, potentially closing a case that has haunted investigators and the public for nearly two decades. The discovery was first reported by ANSA, citing police sources in Germany and Italy.
In 2008, Benma, a 32-year-old woman whose full identity has not been publicly disclosed, was found decapitated on the A22 highway in northern Italy. The brutal nature of the crime, coupled with the absence of her head, left authorities with few leads. Despite extensive investigations, the case went cold, with no arrests made until this recent breakthrough.
German police, acting on new information, conducted a search of the suspect’s father’s property on June 30, 2025, uncovering the remains in a shallow grave. “This is a significant development in a long-standing investigation,” said Detective Hans Müller of the German Federal Police. “We are coordinating with Italian authorities to ensure a thorough examination of the evidence.”
The father-in-law, now 68, has been questioned but not charged, pending DNA results expected within the week. Italian authorities have reopened their investigation, focusing on familial connections and potential motives tied to the original crime. While officials have not speculated on why the head was buried in the garden, early theories suggest it may have been concealed to hinder identification efforts.
The A22 case gripped Italy in 2008, drawing widespread media attention due to its shocking brutality. The highway, a major artery connecting Italy to northern Europe, became the scene of a mystery that frustrated detectives for years. Local residents near the German property expressed disbelief. “It’s chilling to think something like this was hidden in our neighborhood,” said Anna Schmidt, a neighbor.
As DNA results are awaited, authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information related to the case. The findings could bring closure to Benma’s family, who have endured years of uncertainty. “We hope this discovery leads to justice,” said an Italian police spokesperson.
The investigation continues, with international cooperation between German and Italian law enforcement intensifying. Updates are expected as forensic tests conclude, potentially shedding light on one of Europe’s most perplexing unsolved crimes.