A 29-year-old Italian model and reality TV star was allegedly killed by her wealthy older boyfriend in a brutal attack that neighbors witnessed from adjacent buildings. Pamela Genini was found dead inside her Milan apartment on Tuesday night after a violent confrontation turned deadly on her balcony.

Genini had been arguing with her 52-year-old boyfriend, Gianluca Soncin, when he allegedly stabbed her more than 20 times, according to the New York Post. Police arrived at the scene after neighbors reported hearing screams and desperate pleas for help coming from the top-floor apartment.

Soncin has been charged with murder aggravated by stalking, premeditation, and femicide under Italian law. The businessman attempted suicide by slashing his own neck twice, but was stabilized and rushed to Milan's Niguarda Hospital in critical condition under police supervision.

The Deadly Attack Unfolds

Neighbors in adjacent buildings witnessed the horrific attack as it unfolded on Genini's apartment balcony Tuesday evening. When police arrived at the scene, a neighbor on a nearby balcony shouted to get their attention about what was happening inside the top-floor apartment.

Officers broke down the door just as Soncin halted his attack on the young model. Authorities determined that Genini had been stabbed 24 times before police could intervene, and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

One witness told the Italian newspaper Il Giorno they heard Genini screaming "Help! Help!" moments before she was killed. Other neighbors reported seeing a man storming into the apartment just before the crime occurred.

Troubled Relationship Led To Violence

Friends of the victim revealed that the couple's relationship had been deteriorating for months before the deadly attack. A friend told officers that Genini had been planning to leave Soncin, suggesting the relationship had become increasingly unstable.

The couple had been dating for more than a year before the murder, with Soncin described as a wealthy and well-connected Italian businessman. Investigators have questioned multiple neighbors who witnessed parts of the attack from an adjacent building.

In Italy, femicide refers to the killing of a woman due to gender-based motives or domestic violence and is prosecuted as an aggravated form of homicide. Soncin's charges reflect the serious nature of gender-based violence under Italian criminal law.

Victim's Successful Career And Lifestyle

Genini had built a successful career as a model in high-fashion campaigns throughout Milan and had expanded into entrepreneurship. She co-founded the swimwear brand SheLux and operated a luxury real estate business, establishing herself as a prominent figure in Milan's fashion scene.

The model also appeared on the Italian reality dating show "The Island of Adam and Eve," where contestants participate naked. Her television appearances helped boost her public profile beyond the fashion industry.

Genini frequently showcased her glamorous lifestyle on Instagram, posting photos from vacations in Portofino and red carpet appearances at the Venice Film Festival. The Italian newspaper Il Giorno reported that her social media presence reflected her success in both modeling and business ventures.

Lessons to Learn

1. Trust early warning signs in relationships: Domestic violence often escalates gradually. Genini’s friend revealed she had been planning to leave Soncin, pointing to emerging issues months prior. When in a troubled relationship, seeking help early can be a critical step.

2. Community awareness matters: Neighbors who heard alarming sounds and acted swiftly to notify authorities played an important role. Communities need to stay alert and intervene responsibly when they suspect abuse.

3. Violence can happen to anyone, regardless of status or success: Pamela Genini was a successful businesswoman, influencer, and television personality. Her tragedy is a grim reminder that abuse knows no boundaries, and victims are never to blame for the violence inflicted upon them.

Why This Story Matters

This case has jolted Italy and brought fresh urgency to the national discourse around femicide and domestic violence. Public figures like Pamela Genini put real faces to these statistics, which far too often remain unseen. By reporting on stories like these, we hope to support awareness, prevention, and justice for victims.

Conclusion

On Tuesday night, 29-year-old model and television personality Pamela Genini lost her life during a deadly altercation at her Milan apartment. Authorities allege her boyfriend, 52-year-old Gianluca Soncin, stabbed her 24 times during a violent argument that began on the balcony. Soncin faces severe charges, including femicide, after surviving a suicide attempt and being taken into police custody. Witnesses confirmed hearing Genini’s cries for help and told investigators of a tumultuous relationship marked by fear.