Italian authorities have uncovered the tragic fate of a missing woman whose decapitated body was found in a suitcase near a rural farmhouse in one of Tuscany’s popular tourist areas. The disturbing discovery came three weeks after the woman vanished from her home.
30-Year-Old Romanian Woman Reported Missing
Maria Denisa Paun, a 30-year-old Romanian national, was last seen on May 15 in Prato, a city near Florence. Her disappearance sparked widespread concern, particularly in the Romanian and Italian communities, with some speculating she may have fallen victim to organized crime.
On June 5, investigators located her remains near Montecatini Terme, a well-known spa town about 25 miles from Florence. The body was found inside a suitcase, hidden close to an abandoned farmhouse. The grim discovery confirmed the worst fears about her disappearance.
Security Guard Allegedly Confesses to Killing
Vasile Frumuzache, a 32-year-old Romanian man living in Italy, has been arrested and charged with murder and the concealment of a body. Italian prosecutors allege that Frumuzache met Denisa through a dating app and visited her at a hotel the same evening she went missing.
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According to reports, after they met, Denisa allegedly demanded a payment of approximately €10,500 (about $11,450) and threatened to expose their encounter to Frumuzache’s wife. The married father of two reportedly told investigators he panicked and responded with violence.
“She threatened to destroy my life,” Frumuzache allegedly told police. “She said she would contact my wife. I couldn’t let that happen.”
Authorities say he strangled Denisa before dismembering her body. He then placed the remains in a garbage bag, packed them into her suitcase, and drove to the secluded Montecatini property where he dumped the body and attempted to burn evidence, including her severed head, using gasoline.
Surveillance Footage and GPS Data Aid the Investigation
Crucial evidence came from hotel security cameras, which reportedly captured Frumuzache arriving late on the night of May 15 carrying a black bag. A couple of hours later, he was seen leaving with a white suitcase—identified as Denisa’s—before loading it into his Volkswagen Golf.
What ultimately led police to the crime scene was GPS data from a tracker installed in Frumuzache’s car by his insurance company. Investigators retraced his movements and narrowed the search to the abandoned farmhouse, where they found the suitcase and Denisa’s remains.
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Murder Shocks Italy and Romania
The case has drawn intense attention from Italian media and the public, with many outraged by the brutal nature of the crime. Denisa, who was known to have worked as an escort, had recently moved from Rome to Tuscany. Her disappearance initially sparked theories of human trafficking or gang involvement.
Authorities, however, now say the motive was personal and linked to the blackmail threat that escalated into violence. Prosecutors are continuing to build their case as Frumuzache remains in custody.
