Romanian police search for suspect after woman is found dead in suitcase in Olt River

River discovery and victim identification

Fishermen spotted a floating suitcase near the riverbank on Tuesday afternoon, 22 September 2026, close to the Ionesti dam on the Olt River in Valcea County. Upon pulling the heavy waterproof bag ashore, the witnesses discovered the body of 28-year-old Valentina Ioana Tanasie and alerted authorities through the 112 emergency service. The victim, originally from Filiasi in Dolj County and the daughter of a regional musician, had been residing informally in Tomsani. Her body was found unclothed inside the suitcase, which measured 80 centimetres in length by 50 centimetres in width with a partially opened zipper.

Forensic findings and cause of death

A necropsy performed by medical examiners determined that Tanasie died a violent death on 21 September 2026, one day prior to the river discovery. The autopsy report established traumatic and hemorrhagic shock as the direct cause of death. Examiners recorded two severe traumatic head injuries, five broken ribs, and multiple wounds, abrasions, and cuts along her lower legs. Prosecutors reported that the injuries stemmed from blunt force impacts, a sharp weapon, and physical compression.

“As a mechanism of occurrence, it was established that the injuries overall were caused by blows with hard blunt objects, an object with a sharp point and sharp edge, possibly a knife, and through thoraco-abdominal compression, possibly from sitting on the victim. The death dates to 21 September 2026.”

Search of the suspect's residence

Investigators identified the primary suspect as the victim's 30-year-old partner, Gheorghe Vladut Baltateanu, a barber from Horezu with official residency in Miresti. The couple had reportedly met online and lived together for three months. Prior to the discovery, the victim's father had contacted 112 after failing to reach his daughter following a phone call late Sunday night, during which she reported threats after a party. On Wednesday, 23 September, forensic teams searched the couple's home and discovered multiple dynamic reddish-brown stains resembling blood on a shared sleeping mattress. Technicians collected these biological samples in a sterile environment for laboratory analysis.

Manhunt and in-absentia arrest warrant

Prosecutors attached to the Valcea Tribunal initiated formal criminal proceedings against Baltateanu for murder under article 188 of the Criminal Code. On Wednesday, 23 September, the Valcea Tribunal approved the prosecution's request and issued an in-absentia preventive arrest warrant. The Romanian Police officially published Baltateanu's profile on its nationwide wanted registry. Border control checks confirmed that the suspect fled Romania before the body was located, with investigators examining reports that he traveled to Hungary with the help of an acquaintance.

“At this moment the investigation is being conducted in personam against a 30-year-old male from Valcea County who has suspect status and regarding whom there is information that he left the country before the discovery of the crime.”