Man missing since 2022 found murdered and buried in a forest in Vâlcea

Romanian police have discovered the body of Vasile Marian Cica, who had been missing since August 2022, buried in a forest in Vâlcea. The investigation into his disappearance has now been reclassified as a murder case.

Cica, 35 at the time of his disappearance, was reported missing by his family in August 2022. Initially treated as a missing person case, the investigation took a grim turn when evidence pointed towards foul play. In April 2025, the Vâlcea Criminal Investigation Service officially opened a murder investigation.

Investigators believe Cica was killed in the summer of 2022. According to the evidence gathered, his ex-partner, now 37, had begun a relationship with another man, aged 32. This new boyfriend is considered the primary suspect in Cica's death.

Authorities allege that on a night in August 2022, the 32-year-old suspect went to Cica's home. A confrontation allegedly occurred, during which Cica was repeatedly struck on the head with a hammer. His body was then reportedly transported and hidden in a wooded area near Streminoasa village.

Following extensive investigative work, police identified the victim's body. The main suspect, the 32-year-old man, was apprehended and detained for 24 hours on August 26, 2026. Prosecutors are seeking his pre-trial detention as the investigation continues.

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From the evidence administered, it resulted that during the summer of 2022, the victim's concubine, currently 37 years old, started a relationship with another man, currently 32 years old. On one of the nights in August 2022, the 32-year-old man allegedly went to the victim's home, where he allegedly killed him by applying several blows with a hammer to the head. Subsequently, the victim's body was allegedly transported and hidden in a wooded area near Streminoasa village. Following complex research activities carried out by police officers, the victim's body was identified, and evidence was administered regarding the circumstances in which the act was allegedly committed.