33-year-old Brazilian woman is stabbed to death by her ex-partner in Verona; suspect confesses to crime in Italy

Jessica Stappazzollo Custodio de Lima, aged 33, was stabbed to death by her ex-partner Douglas Reis Pedroso, aged 41, in the city of Castelnuovo del Garda, in the province of Verona, Italy. The crime occurred between October 27th and 28th, 2025, and the suspect, also Brazilian, confessed to the act after calling the police authorities around midnight, expressing his intention to commit suicide. The police arrived at the scene and found the victim’s body in the apartment, with a disproportionate number of injuries caused by a sharp weapon, according to a report from the Verona Public Prosecutor’s Office.

The case is being investigated as femicide, aggravated by the couple’s history of domestic violence.

Douglas Reis Pedroso was already facing lawsuits for mistreatment and bodily harm against Jessica, with attacks recorded since August 2024.

• In April 2025, he was arrested for throwing the victim to the ground, dragging her by her hair and injuring her with punches and car keys.
• The Italian court imposed an electronic ankle monitor and a ban on approaching closer than 500 meters.
• At the time of the arrest, the device was not used, and the victim’s alarm was found hidden.

History of assaults against the victim

Authorities confirm that the violence began more than a year ago, with episodes that included regular verbal and physical abuse. Jessica, who worked as an assistant at a local store, had lost custody of her daughter from a previous relationship due to constant threats..

The victim’s sister reported that Jessica lived in prolonged fear, but was hesitant to break the cycle for fear of retaliation.

Investigators point out that Pedroso consumed alcohol and drugs excessively, which worsened the incidents.

Legal measures failed to monitor

The electronic ankle bracelet was applied in May 2025, after the suspect’s temporary arrest. However, he removed the equipment before the crime, and the police are still investigating when and where this occurred.

The warning device given to Jessica was stored in the garage of her mother’s residence, in Ponti sul Mincio, about 10 kilometers from the scene of the murder.

This failure in the electronic surveillance system raises questions about its effectiveness in high-risk cases.

The Verona Public Prosecutor’s Office ordered an expert examination to establish the exact time of death and the precise number of stab wounds, estimated in dozens.

Criminal record of the attacker

Douglas Reis Pedroso has accumulated several convictions in Italy. In December 2024, he was accused of sexual assault against Jessica’s sister, as well as resisting police officers during the intervention.

A previous conviction for refusing a drunk driving test dates back to 2023.

Records show that he threatened both the victim and family members, including reports of aggravated bodily harm.

In the initial interrogation, Pedroso showed signs of mental confusion, attributed to substances.

Local repercussion and tribute to the victim

The town hall of Castelnuovo del Garda organized a ceremony in front of the municipal building on the evening of October 30th, with the participation of Jessica’s mother.

Mayor Davide Sandrini described the episode as a serious event that affects the entire community.

Friends of the victim reported that she planned to leave the relationship, but faced logistical barriers.

The governor of Veneto, Luca Zaia, highlighted disturbing elements in the case, such as non-compliance with court orders.

Femicide statistics in Italy

Since January 2025, 44 women have been killed by partners or ex-partners in the country, according to the Ministry of the Interior. In 2024, the total reached 62 cases, an increase of 15% compared to the previous year.

The majority of crimes occur in homes, with bladed weapons as the main instrument.

Authorities report that 70% of victims had a history of previous complaints that were not adequately resolved.

The Italian Senate approved a law in July that provides for life imprisonment for femicides, with restrictions on prison benefits.

Police procedures after the crime

Carabineers from the Peschiera del Garda Company isolated the apartment in via Silvio Pellico shortly after arrival. The knife used in the attack was collected from the suspect’s vehicle, parked nearby.

Pedroso was transferred to the Montorio prison, in Verona, awaiting a security interrogation scheduled for October 31.

Toxicological tests on the attacker confirm the presence of alcohol and drugs at the time of arrest.

The investigation includes analysis of recent messages and calls between the couple to reconstruct the events of the 48 hours before the murder.