Man killed in ambush in Udine as police search for victim’s former partner

A man born in Morocco was killed in an apparent ambush in Udine, and police are searching for a 32-year-old man who may be armed.

The victim, born in 1961, was reportedly returning home with grocery bags when the attacker emerged from behind a hedge on Via Castions di Strada. He allegedly struck the man repeatedly in the chest with a sharp object before fleeing on foot. A screwdriver found beside the body was seized by the carabinieri and may have been the weapon. Investigators are also considering whether a knife was used.

The alarm was raised at 7:48 p.m. Emergency workers treated the victim at the scene and rushed him to Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital in Udine, but his condition was immediately critical and he died shortly after admission.

Investigators are focusing on the suspect’s personal ties to the victim’s family. The 32-year-old allegedly became infatuated with the victim’s 38-year-old sister, who ended their relationship about a month ago. She told investigators that he had not accepted the breakup. Three days before the killing, he allegedly went to her workplace to see her and, after she refused, threatened to kill her. Police are also examining damage to another family member’s car reported the previous day.

Carabinieri, forensic investigators and prosecutor Letizia Puppa sealed off the crime scene to collect evidence. Officers are searching the surrounding area, reviewing surveillance footage and seeking witnesses who may have seen the attack or the suspect’s escape.