Rome court rules Francis Kaufmann mentally fit to stand trial for double murder of partner and infant daughter

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.

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.