ROME, ITALY – The body of 22-year-old Albanian student Ilaria Sula was discovered inside a suitcase in a ravine in Capranica Prenestina, east of Rome. Her ex-boyfriend, Mark Samson, a 24-year-old of Filipino origin, has confessed to the killing and is currently in custody at Regina Coeli prison, according to A2 News.
Sula, a student at La Sapienza University in Rome, had been reported missing since March 25. Her parents filed a missing person report at the San Lorenzo police station, and her roommates distributed flyers in an effort to locate her.
Authorities believe the crime took place at Samson’s apartment on Via Homs in the Africano district of Rome. According to initial findings, Sula was stabbed before being placed inside a suitcase. Samson allegedly transported the suitcase by car and left it in a wooded area. He also discarded her phone in a manhole in Rome.
The suitcase was found around 8 AM on April 3, approximately 50 meters down a ravine along provincial road 45b. Firefighters assisted in the recovery due to the rough terrain.
Investigators state that Samson continued to use Sula’s phone after her disappearance, sending messages and posting updates to give the impression that she was still alive. Phone records were used to track his movements, leading to his arrest.
Students and faculty at La Sapienza University held a vigil in Sula’s memory. University Rector Antonella Polimeni stated, “In this moment of pain, we stand with Ilaria’s family and our entire student community.” A demonstration organized by student groups is scheduled in Piazzale Aldo Moro.
Samson is facing charges of premeditated murder and concealment of a body. Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to establish a full timeline of events.