Calabria investigations continue into fatal femicides

In Calabria, investigations continue following the death of 46-year-old Ornella Forastefano, who was found dying in front of the Trebisacce hospital after a brutal assault. A judge has validated the arrest of her partner, 42-year-old Elvis Bisho (also known as Elvis Metvelaj), describing the killing as an act of “inaudita e spropositata violenza” (unheard of and disproportionate violence) driven by obsessive jealousy and a desire for control.

Autopsy results confirmed extensive trauma and numerous injuries. While Bisho claimed the victim had fallen down stairs, investigators found soil and foliage in her hair, suggesting the attack occurred in a rural or wooded area. Bisho was apprehended by border police at the port of Bari while attempting to leave Italy.

Thousands of people gathered in Sibari for Forastefano’s funeral. During the service, priest Don Pietro Groccia addressed the victim's children, urging them not to seek vengeance, while calling on political institutions to strengthen laws and protections against gender-based violence.

In a separate but related regional matter, 76-year-old Pietro Scintu remains in custody facing accusations of killing his wife, Carmela Bifano, in the Corigliano area. Although his initial detention was not validated due to a lack of immediate flight risk, a judge ordered continued imprisonment due to the risk of evidence tampering.