Edward Marchesi At dawn on October 15th, a 21-year-old woman from Germany, enrolled in the Erasmus program, was heading to the student residence where she lived. After an evening spent at the city center's bars, her walk along Via Giacosa, near Trotter Park, was interrupted by a sudden attack.
The attack was reported by two passersby who rushed to the scene and called 112. The victim, still in shock, was taken first to the Policlinico and then to the specialized center at the Mangiagalli clinic for tests required for sexual assault cases . After receiving treatment, she filed a complaint with the police, which opened an investigation.
Ambush on Via Giacosa: Reconstruction of the facts
Footage from surveillance cameras installed along Via Giacosa captured two male figures approaching the student from behind. The video shows the man hitting her, forcing her to the ground, and attempting to undress her. The footage doesn't record the entire incident, but it does show the intervention of a third individual on an e-bike, who appears to alert those present.
According to the young woman's testimony, the attacker struck her several times, dragged her to the ground, and attempted to remove her pants in an act of sexual assault . After a few moments, the attacker stopped, perhaps frightened by the approach of other passersby, and quickly walked away.
Investigations and Evidence: From the Backpack to the Suspect's Capture
A backpack was found in the immediate vicinity of the attack site . Inside, a supermarket receipt and a cell phone SIM card were found. Authorities, led by prosecutors Letizia Mannella and Alfonso Serritiello, traced the card to the store where it was sold, recovering the associated number and the customer's details.
At the same time, examination of the receipt allowed them to identify the store's security cameras, providing another frame in which the SIM card holder's face is clearly visible. By comparing the image with forensic database data, investigators identified the SIM card holder: William Richard SJ, a 31-year-old Peruvian citizen, already known to law enforcement.
Arrest and proceedings
The 31-year-old Peruvian was arrested on October 21st by the Carabinieri Garibaldi station, in the Via Giacosa area. During questioning, conducted by investigating judge Fabrizio Filice, he was placed in pre-trial detention; a decision on the precautionary measure will be made in the coming days.
The case mobilized the resources of the Compagnia Duomo , which coordinated the investigative activities with the assistance of both public prosecutors. The German student, whose parents are now arriving from abroad, will need to provide further details to the authorities to complete the case.
Impact on the student community
The incident has raised concerns among Erasmus students and Milanese universities, prompting institutions to review safety protocols along the routes connecting dormitories to the city center.
Authorities reassured the public that the investigation was conducted quickly and efficiently, demonstrating the ability to trace a suspect thanks to digital evidence and teamwork between the Carabinieri and the judiciary.