Woman’s Body Identified After Gruesome Murder in Rome
The discovery of a young woman’s body in a Roman park has led to a murder investigation, revealing a trail of international travel, assumed identities, and a tragic double homicide. The victim, initially unidentified, was found near the body of a child, unraveling a grim story of violence.
The Unfolding Investigation
The victim, identified as Anastasia Trofimova, a 28-year-old from Omsk, Russia, had been living in Europe since 2023. The identification was confirmed by her mother, who recognized tattoos on the body. Authorities, including the FBI and Maltese officials, are analyzing her passport and fingerprints.
Investigators suspect foul play in Trofimova’s death, possibly by suffocation. Her young daughter was also murdered, as confirmed by an autopsy. The primary suspect, Francis Kaufmann, also known as Rexal Ford, was apprehended in Greece on June 13th.
“That’s my daughter, she is Anastasia,”
—Mother’s Name, Statement to authorities
The suspect, Kaufmann, is currently held in a prison in Larissa, Greece. The case is being investigated as a double aggravated murder.
Tracing the Events
Anastasia met Kaufmann in Malta in September 2023. Their daughter, Andromeda, was born nine months later. Kaufmann attempted to register the child under the name Andromeda Ford, but faced difficulties, and they later changed the girl’s name to Lucia. The family subsequently relocated to Sicily and then Rome, seeking a home.
Before her death, Anastasia sent an email to her mother, revealing troubles in their relationship. Kaufmann had been reported to the police multiple times for his behavior, with the last report occurring after Anastasia’s death. Private boats were used in travel, possibly in an attempt to cover their tracks.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, in 2022, 45,000 women and girls were killed worldwide by intimate partners or family members (UNODC).
Next Steps
The investigation is still ongoing. Authorities will continue to gather evidence and determine the precise circumstances surrounding the murders, aiming to bring justice to Anastasia Trofimova and her daughter.