Woman found dead in Rome identified as Anastasia Trofimova by Italian media
Trofimova's husband, who lived in Malta for a year, is the prime suspect in the crime
The woman discovered dead in Rome's Villa Pamphili has been identified as Anastasia Trofimova, according to Italian media.
Il Corriere della Sera reported on Thursday that Trofimova was identified after a woman in Russia came forward claiming to be her mother.
The news organisation said her identity was then confirmed by the Procura di Roma, which is the public prosecutor's office in Italy, responsible for investigating crimes, prosecuting offenders, and ensuring the proper administration of justice in the Roman district.
Trofimova and her baby were found dead in one of Rome's most popular public gardens on June 7. The grim discovery shocked Italy and triggered an investigation that led to the arrest of Francis Kaufmann a few days later in Greece.
The man is believed to be her husband and is suspected of having murdered her and the baby.
Times of Malta confirmed that Kaufmann, an American who often went by the pseudonym 'Rexal Ford', lived in Malta between 2023 and 2024. He resided in Marsascala with a valid residence permit, and that Maltese connection led to local police being roped into the investigation with their Italian and Greek counterparts.
Kaufmann's time in Malta remains shrouded in mystery, and a joint investigation between the three countries has seen officers comb through records to piece together his relationship with the victims and what could have happened in the days and weeks leading up to the discovery of the bodies.
Italian public news site Rai News also reported Friday that it appears that Trofimova met Kaufmann in Malta when she visited the country to study English. It also reported the child's name as Andromeda, although she was later called Lucia.
The breakthrough in identification came when a woman reportedly residing in Russia contacted Italian authorities, stating, "It's my daughter, Anastasia." This crucial lead allowed investigators to put a name to the victim, who was, till then, unidentified.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to focus on confirming the familial relationship and piecing together Trofimova's recent movements and circumstances leading up to her death.