A tragic sequence of events at Milan’s Hotel Bern has left investigators piecing together a narrative of escalating concerns and potential missed opportunities. The incident culminated in the death of Chamila Wijesuriya, 50, allegedly at the hands of her colleague, Emanuele de maria, 35, who subsequently wounded another employee and took his own life by jumping from the Duomo.

The investigation has focused on the dynamics between wijesuriya and de Maria, particularly the former’s apprehension regarding the latter’s persistent requests for money. A colleague’s testimony highlighted Wijesuriya’s deep worry, stating she was deeply worried about the requests for money that the 35 year old turned to her insistently. This fear extended beyond financial concerns, as she reportedly feared he might harm her.

Investigators are meticulously reviewing the circumstances leading up to the tragedy, interviewing hotel staff to identify any overlooked warning signs that might have prevented the fatal outcome. A photograph discovered on Wijesuriya’s phone is believed to corroborate the colleague’s account, further substantiating the claims of financial pressure.

The “Model Prisoner” Under Scrutiny

The case has prompted a review of the evaluation and oversight of Emanuele de Maria, who was previously considered a model prisoner.Justice Minister Carlo Nordio has requested an urgent report from the surveillance court of Milan, demanding all documentation related to de Maria’s psychological assessments and external work program at the Bollate prison.

Prior to the incident, de Maria was described by the Bollate prison’s team of educators and psychologists as a totally balanced person who does not present psychic imbalances. Reports from 2023 and 2024 indicated that he cultivated emotional relationships in the workplace, painting a picture of a well-adjusted individual.

Contradictory Accounts from Colleagues

In stark contrast to the prison’s assessment, colleagues at the Hotel Bern described a man prone to jealousy and unsettling behavior.One colleague recounted, He told me he was starting to become morbid towards him. In recent times he was jealous, on some occasions he has made scenes inside the hotel.

Another incident involved de Maria’s reaction to a seemingly innocuous gesture: Once she put her hands on the shoulders of a colleague. de Maria saw this and is completely crazy, the colleague added. These accounts suggest a pattern of possessiveness and instability that was not reflected in the prison’s evaluations.

Further adding to the complexity, another colleague revealed a warning given to Wijesuriya: Once I saw them that they were apart. I warned Chamila, I told her to pay attention to that man talking to her of her judicial and criminal affair. This suggests that de maria may have been sharing details of his past with Wijesuriya, raising concerns among her colleagues.