The trial of Filippo Turetta, who confessed to the murder of his ex-girlfriend Giulia Cecchettin on November 11, 2023 in Fossò, in the Venice area, begins today in the Assize Court in Venice.

The defendant is absent from the courtroom, as are his parents. Present instead is Gino Cecchettin , Giulia's father, who preferred to avoid making statements: "It's premature," he limited himself to saying.

The Court is presided over by Judge Stefano Manduzio. Only one witness is expected in the trial for the defense, the pathologist Monica Cucci, who took part in the autopsy of the victim, while there are about thirty, including relatives, friends and investigators, for the prosecution supported by the prosecutor Andrea Petroni.

Turetta's lawyer, Giovanni Caruso, said that his client might never show up in court, even in future hearings: "I advised him not to show up today. Then we'll see, it's possible that he never shows up," he said in response to journalists' questions. " I'll make sure he comes to answer the judges, he'll show up when the time comes ."

The organizational formalities are expected today: «There will certainly be the constitution of the civil parties». Twelve are the people and entities that have asked to constitute themselves as civil parties : the victim's relatives, four associations against gender violence, the Penelope association that deals with missing persons and the Municipalities of Vigonovo and Fossò.

Turetta must answer for voluntary homicide aggravated by premeditation, cruelty, brutality, stalking and concealment of a corpse . The heart of the trial will be on premeditation, which can make a big difference on the sentence to be served. During his interrogations, the 22-year-old had admitted to having brought two backpacks in the car on the night of the murder, one with some gifts, the other with a murder kit.

The defense and the Prosecutor's Office have urged not to sensationalize the trial: "The trial is about personal responsibilities, it is not a trial for femicide but only for Filippo Turetta," said the Venice prosecutor Bruno Cherchi . "It is not a sociological study but an ascertainment of responsibilities. It must be carried out in the courtrooms, also with respect for the accused."