Woman strangled in isolated Ceriana house, partner detained and under interrogation

Discovery and arrest

A woman’s body was discovered on Saturday afternoon inside an isolated house in the woods of Ceriana, a small town in the Ligurian hinterland of Imperia province. She had been strangled, and investigators believe the killing occurred on Friday evening. Her partner, an Italian man, turned himself in to the Carabinieri station in Sanremo later on Saturday and was immediately detained. He remains at the barracks undergoing interrogation.

The couple, both middle-aged, were well known in the community and lived together in the secluded property. The house has been placed under judicial seal to allow forensic teams to gather evidence.

Investigation underway

The Imperia prosecutor’s office, led by prosecutor Lari, is coordinating the investigation. An external examination of the body was carried out on site in the presence of the duty magistrate, and further medico-legal tests are expected in the coming hours to establish the exact cause of death and any additional clues. Investigators are also reconstructing the victim’s final hours and plan to interview anyone who may have information about the couple’s recent interactions.

The motive remains unclear, and the dynamics of the attack are still being pieced together. The man’s account is central to the inquiry, and prosecutors are evaluating the evidence collected so far to build a detailed picture of what transpired inside the home.

Community in shock

Ceriana, a tightly knit hilltop village, has been shaken by the killing. Neighbours and acquaintances are being asked to help investigators understand the couple’s relationship and any warning signs that may have preceded the violence. As the investigation continues, the case adds to the national conversation on femicide in Italy.