Rome court rules Francis Kaufmann mentally fit to stand trial for double murder of partner and infant daughter
Trial of 46-year-old Californian accused of killing his partner and 11-month-old daughter at Villa Pamphili will resume after psychiatric evaluation shows remission of acute psychotic disorder.
The crime
On 7 June 2025, the bodies of Anastasia Trofimova, 29, and her 11-month-old daughter Andromeda were found at Villa Pamphili in Rome. Francis Kaufmann, also known as Rexal Ford, a 46-year-old American, was arrested and charged with double aggravated murder. Prosecutors Giuseppe Cascini and Antonio Verdi allege the killings were motivated by trivial and abject reasons, and include the charges of concealment of the bodies, taking advantage of the victim's diminished defence, the affective relationship with the partner, and the descent in relation to the daughter.
Suspension and forced treatment
In April 2026, Kaufmann's defence, led by lawyer Paolo Foti, requested a psychiatric evaluation. The court-appointed expert recommended a continuous 30-day pharmacological therapy and the trial was suspended. The Rome Court of Assize ordered his transfer from prison to a psychiatric facility where he was to be kept under 24-hour surveillance and medicated. However, Kaufmann consistently refused to follow the prescribed drug regimen.
- Bodies of Anastasia Trofimova and 11-month-old Andromeda discovered at Villa Pamphili, Rome.
- Defence requests psychiatric evaluation; expert recommends 30-day drug therapy; trial suspended and Kaufmann transferred to a psychiatric facility.
- Psychiatric evaluation reports significant remission of acute psychotic disorder.
- Court rules Kaufmann fit to stand trial, compatible with prison; trial resumes.
- Next hearing scheduled.
Expert report and court's decision
On 14 June 2026, the psychiatric report was filed, concluding that "Ford presents a significant remission of the acute and transient psychotic disorder previously diagnosed." The Rome Court of Assize reviewed the findings and on 16 June ruled that "the current psychophysical state of the defendant is compatible with the detention regime, subject to the need to provide, as previously done and again urged, adequate clinical monitoring." The court therefore lifted the suspension and ordered Kaufmann returned to prison.
Next steps
The trial will now resume. The next hearing is scheduled for 6 July 2026, when the court will continue proceedings with Kaufmann back behind bars. Defence and prosecution have not yet commented on the new development.
