Gianluca Soncin apologizes to victim's family in Milan femicide trial

Statement before the court

During the third hearing before the Milan Court of Assizes on 5 October 2026, Gianluca Soncin spoke publicly for the first time since his arrest for the murder of 29-year-old Pamela Genini. Soncin, who previously exercised his right to remain silent during police questioning, stood beside his defence lawyers to read a brief handwritten statement before witness examinations began. The 52-year-old businessman addressed the victim's family, including her brother Nicola Genini, who attended the session in silence from the courtroom benches. In his statement, Soncin acknowledged the severe impact of his actions on both families.

In this moment of great pain and deep sadness, I offer my apologies to Pamela's family. Since that day our lives have deeply changed. I know that forgiveness cannot be demanded. I understand the weight of my actions and Pamela's memory will remain indelible in our hearts. I can only take full responsibility for the consequences of the pain I caused.

Forensic evidence and bodycam footage

The court viewed police bodycam footage and forensic photographs taken inside the second-floor flat at Via Iglesias 33 in Milan's Gorla district. The footage documented the crime scene on the evening of 14 October 2025, displaying bloodstained floors, the recovered knife, and Genini taking her final labored breaths before medical teams could intervene. Chief Commissioner Lucrezia Vischi of the Milan Mobile Squad testified that Genini died inside the apartment after receiving 76 stab wounds across the balcony and interior rooms. The first police witness, who compiled the investigative summary, told the court that Soncin repeatedly pushed against the entrance door to block officers as they forced their way into the residence.

Timeline of the emergency response

Investigators reconstructed the fatal timeline using phone logs, WhatsApp messages, and emergency dispatch records from the evening of the killing. Soncin had obtained a duplicate key from a local hardware shop one week earlier and parked outside the building around 21:30. Genini noticed his presence while communicating with her friend Francesco Dolci, texting him to contact emergency services because Soncin had entered uninvited. Her messages ceased at 21:52, shortly before police patrol car Padova bis arrived outside. Genini used the intercom to say "Glovo, second floor", which officers recognized as an urgent distress signal before breaking through the building's glass door and the apartment entrance at 21:58.

Aggravating factors and prosecution

Prosecutors Alessia Menegazzo and Letizia Mannella filed charges of voluntary homicide aggravated by premeditation, cruelty, trivial motives, and the terminated relationship. While prosecutors maintained those four aggravating circumstances, they formally removed the stalking allegation that had appeared in the initial detention order following the arrest. The trial continues with scheduled testimony from building neighbours who witnessed portions of the attack on the balcony. In addition, Francesco Dolci is scheduled to testify, while facing a separate investigation related to insult to a corpse in connection with the case.