Fell From a Rome Terrace: 'It Was Femicide'

Investigators in Rome are treating the death of 31-year-old Dafne Rebaudo, who fell from a building terrace in the Tor Bella Monaca neighborhood on July 13, as a femicide. They suspect her partner, 41-year-old Tunisian national Mohamed Trabelsi, pushed her to her death.

Trabelsi, who had been living with Rebaudo for several months and was already subject to reporting requirements, was detained by police. The alarm was raised around 5 a.m. by a resident who heard a loud thud and saw a body on the asphalt. Responding emergency services found Rebaudo deceased at the scene.

Initially, investigators considered the possibility of a voluntary act, but the circumstances and conflicting accounts from Trabelsi led them to suspect foul play. Surveillance footage from the building's stairwell proved crucial. The videos reportedly show the couple ascending to the terrace together, but only Trabelsi is seen descending later, carrying Rebaudo's bag and accompanied by a dog. Rebaudo was not seen on camera again after reaching the terrace.

Witnesses from the building also reported hearing shouting that night. Investigators are working to determine the motive behind the alleged argument, with the possibility that Rebaudo intended to end the relationship being explored. Trabelsi's inconsistent statements regarding the timeline and events of that night further fueled the investigation, leading to his detention.