Between 1971 and 1989, a series of brutal killings haunted Udine, a peaceful province in northeastern Italy. Known as the “Monster of Udine,” the unidentified killer left a trail of up to 16 victims, most of whom were women.
The victims’ bodies were found with disturbing, precise wounds, leading investigators to believe the killer possessed medical knowledge.
The Confirmed Victims
The killer’s official victim count stands at four, though many suspect there were more. Each victim bore a signature wound—a precise abdominal incision, leading police to suspect the killer could be a medical professional. The confirmed victims of the Monster of Udine are:
- Maria Carla Bellone (19), a sex worker killed on 19 February 1980.
- Luana Giamporcaro (22), a sex worker killed on 24 January 1983.
- Aurelia Januschewitz (42), a sex worker killed on 3 March 1985.
- Marina Lepre (40), a primary-school teacher killed on 26 February 1989.
Possible Victims
In addition to the four confirmed murders, authorities suspect that up to 12 other unsolved cases may be linked to the Monster of Udine. These potential victims show variations in cause of death—some strangled, others stabbed—but share similarities with confirmed cases, such as proximity to Udine and violent assault. Among the potential victims are:
- Irene Belletti – stabbed on 21 September 1971.
- Elsa Moruzzi – strangled in November 1972.
- Eugenia Tilling – stabbed in December 1975.
- Maria Luisa Bernardo – stabbed in 1976, linked to the Belletti case.
Modus Operandi and Signature
The Monster of Udine’s gruesome killings bore striking characteristics. The killer inflicted a precise abdominal wound on several victims, resembling a Cesarean incision. This precision suggested the use of a scalpel and was interpreted as a possible ‘signature’ of the killer. Criminologists describe the Monster as a misogynist, motivated by deep hatred toward women, and hypothesise that the stab wounds and overkill demonstrate a disturbing pleasure in inflicting suffering.
Investigation and Suspicions
The Udine murders posed numerous challenges to Italian authorities, partly due to limited forensic technology at the time. Initial suspicions pointed to a local middle-aged gynaecologist who was reportedly seen behaving oddly near one of the crime scenes. The man, however, was ultimately released for lack of evidence. Other theories propose that the killings were carried out by multiple offenders, given the variation in method across the years.
Recent Developments and Reopened Case
In 2019, new evidence surfaced during the filming of a documentary about the Monster of Udine. DNA evidence, which had never been fully analysed, was uncovered and linked to four potential suspects. Although the details of this forensic evidence have yet to be fully disclosed, it has reignited hope that justice might finally be served for the Monster’s victims.
Conclusion: A Mystery Still Unsolved
The Monster of Udine remains one of Italy’s most chilling unsolved cases. Despite decades of investigations and new forensic breakthroughs, the identity of the killer—or killers—continues to evade law enforcement. For now, the Monster’s horrific crimes serve as a grim reminder of the evil that once stalked the quiet streets of Udine.