In Bruzzano, Italy, Silvana Damato, a 69-year-old former tobacco shop owner, was discovered dead in her bathtub on August 8, 2025, dressed in a bathrobe, with facial bruises and a cut to her throat. Initially thought to be a health-related incident, the scene quickly led investigators to classify it as a homicide due to the violent nature of the crime. A detailed examination rendered a chilling autopsy report, which disclosed that Silvana had likely been attacked violently before being submerged in the water, suggesting a calculated murder.

After nearly six and a half months of investigation, the Milan prosecutor's office, led by prosecutor Valentina Mondovì, undertook extensive forensic examinations within Silvana's apartment. Over 200 DNA samples were collected, and a thorough investigation ensued, including interviews with neighbors, friends, and former acquaintances. The clues suggest a planned crime, with authorities focusing on the events leading up to her death and her financial situation, which included missing money, implying a possible motive.

This case raises critical questions about the safety in the community, the effectiveness of initial investigative assessments, and the timeline taken to gather substantial evidence for a criminal case. The persistence of law enforcement highlights a commitment to uncovering the truth, while the fear and confusion in the local population grow due to the unfolding narrative of violence within their midst.