New interrogations are underway in the investigation into the alleged rape of a 23-year-old student in Rome’s Tufello district. The victim, her ex-boyfriend, and the motorist who came to her aid are being questioned again by the Carabinieri as they work to clarify crucial details and identify the three men the student claims assaulted her.
The Allegations: A Dark Night in Tufello
The student reported being attacked late Sunday evening between Via Gran Paradiso and Via Monte Pattino, within the Tufello public housing area. She described being set upon by three men after midnight, after exiting the Jonio metro station (B1 line) on her way to Val Melaina to catch a night bus to her ex-boyfriend’s residence outside Rome.
Still in shock, the Calabrian student, who studies Languages and resides in San Lorenzo, recounted the terrifying experience: “They jumped on me on the dark street, I wouldn’t be able to recognize them. They were speaking but I couldn’t understand, one of them abused me behind parked cars. I couldn’t scream.” She initially stated she couldn’t identify her attackers, but investigators hope further questioning will yield more useful information.
Evidence and Discrepancies: The Investigation’s Challenges
Investigators are facing a complex task. While no surveillance cameras captured the three alleged assailants, the victim herself was seen walking alone towards Via Gran Paradiso, and she denied being followed. This forms a starting point for the Montesacro Carabinieri company, whose investigation is proving difficult.
Crucially, the Carabinieri are attempting to isolate the biological profile of the perpetrator from any traces found. The victim stated that two accomplices held her down while one man assaulted her. This biological evidence could be fundamental in identifying the rapist. She has also been shown mugshots of individuals with prior convictions for sexual violence, who are potentially compatible with her description.
Points of Contention and Unanswered Questions
Several aspects of the case require further clarification:
- The victim’s initial inability to identify the attackers versus the hope for new details.
- The Carabinieri’s current certainty that the Jonio metro station is not connected to the reported rape.
- The search for DNA traces at the indicated crime scene.
- Further checks on cell phone activity in the area at the time of the alleged attack and the subsequent flight of the three men, whom the victim described as “of color.”
- Investigations into a nearby mini-unauthorized settlement.
Public Outcry and Calls for Safety
The incident has sparked significant public reaction. Thousands of people, many of them young women, gathered for a vigil and then a procession on Via Gran Paradiso, organized by “Non una di meno” and other associations. The demonstration called for increased safety in the area, highlighting that even during the protest, some streetlights were out of order.
The case remains under active investigation, with authorities meticulously examining all available evidence and witness testimonies to bring clarity and justice to this deeply disturbing incident.
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