Anastasia Trofimova and daughter Andromeda, confirmed to have been suffocated by Francis Kaufmann, investigations continue

 ROME - Anastasia Trofimova, the 28-year-old Russian woman, found dead in Villa Pamphili in Rome on June 7 – not far from the body of her 11-month-old daughter Andromeda – appears to have been suffocated. This is what emerged from the report by Dr Vincenzo Arena on Monday, a specialist in pathological anatomy at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Rome and a forensic doctor, which supplements the forensic medical advice of Dr Gerardo De Masi. These findings transform the charge into double murder for Francis Kaufmann, the 46-year-old American – alias Rexal Ford – in prison for the crimes that took place in the capital's green area in early June, reports Il Fatto Quotidiano.

 The histological examinations revealed, as the consultant explains in the report, haematomas in the soft tissues of the neck, particularly in the peri-hyoid and thyroid regions. These signs are consistent with external compression on the neck, typical in cases of strangulation. No evidence compatible with death from natural causes was found. The investigations conducted, in fact, “rule out other clinical hypotheses”.

 These elements therefore confirm the prosecution's reconstruction of events: Kaufmann allegedly suffocated Trofimova, hiding her in the bushes of Villa Pamphili under a black sack. A few days later, probably on June 4 or 5, he allegedly killed his young daughter by strangling her. Shortly afterwards, the man bought a plane ticket to Greece. His escape ended on June 13 when the American was arrested on the island of Skiathos. Extradited to Italy a month later, the man continues to refuse to answer the judges, causing several problems in prison and refusing the court-appointed lawyer.

 Meanwhile, scientific investigations continue, including genetic testing on biological material seized at the crime scene. Three traces of semen were found on a sleeping bag covering the woman's body. One of the traces was attributed to a male subject named “Man 1”, known and identified as Francis Kaufmann. This evidence strengthens the case against the man, who is already involved in other proceedings. Further genetic traces were obtained from clothing found at the scene. Five traces of blood were found on a flesh-coloured bra, believed to have belonged to the woman, and on a pair of pink shorts belonging to the girl. These findings are now being analysed in the laboratory to identify the genetic profiles involved.

 The investigation could become more complicated with the discovery of DNA traces belonging to unknown individuals who have not yet been identified. A “complex genetic mixture” associated with at least two different people, both unknown, was found on a pair of blue boxer shorts. Forensic experts appointed by the public prosecutor's office have ruled out that these traces could belong to Kaufmann, the victim Anastasia, or her daughter Andromeda. Another relevant element comes from the analysis of a pair of green men's shorts labelled as exhibit no. 18. At least five genetic traces have been isolated from this item of clothing, attributable to another male individual, referred to by investigators as “Man 2”. This individual has also not yet been identified.

 Finally, genetic profiles attributable to three different people, also unidentified at this time, were found on a white cap with a visor. Investigators are trying to compare these profiles with national and international databases to trace their identities. The Public Prosecutor's Office continues to work closely with forensic and biological experts to accurately reconstruct the last moments of the two victims' lives. The most likely hypothesis is that of a premeditated attack, which took place in an isolated area of the park, probably during the night between June 6 and 7. The investigation is now focusing on clarifying the involvement of any accomplices.

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