Mystery Surrounds Discovery of Bodies in Rome Park

The Italian police are currently investigating the perplexing discovery of two bodies in one of Rome's most picturesque parks. On Monday, the remains of a woman, approximately 40 years old, and an infant were taken to the forensic medicine department for autopsy. Investigators suspect that the deceased may be a mother and her child.

Reports indicate that the infant, believed to be just a few months old, may have been strangled, according to information from the Italian news agency Ansa.

This unsettling case has captured significant media attention across Italy, particularly in Rome. The bodies were found on Saturday in Villa Doria Pamphili, a popular park frequented by many visitors enjoying the Pentecost holiday. The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain unclear, leading authorities to seek answers through DNA testing.

Initial indications suggest the possibility of foul play, with investigators considering the tragic scenario of a double homicide. The infant was discovered face down on the ground by two women who were playing volleyball nearby. Initially mistaking the body for a doll, they quickly realized the grim nature of their discovery when they recognized it was a lifeless baby girl, estimated to be between five and ten months old. The infant exhibited signs of injury, and various items, including a pillow and diapers, were located in the vicinity.

As detectives examined the area for further evidence, they found the woman's body hidden under oleander bushes on the opposite side of the path, wrapped in a black garbage bag. The lack of identification made it challenging to ascertain her identity, and the advanced state of decomposition complicates matters further. Media reports suggest that both the woman and the infant might have originated from Eastern Europe, with speculation also circulating regarding potential connections to the drug trade.

Authorities are currently reviewing surveillance footage from cameras positioned within the park, which is closed at night, although many visitors ignore this restriction. Inquiries are also being made at local hospitals to determine if there have been any unusual incidents in recent weeks. Additionally, witnesses reported seeing a man carrying something in his arms as he entered the park, and he is now a person of interest in the investigation.

Villa Doria Pamphili, which spans approximately 1.8 square kilometers, is one of the largest green spaces in Rome, frequented by joggers and walkers alike. The park is home to the historical Villa Doria Pamphili, a stately building owned by the Italian government, which is often used for state banquets and has hosted high-profile guests, including King Charles III and Queen Camilla during their recent visit.