Bio

Valentino Pesenti was born in Genoa, Italy, in 1962. At a young age, Valentino was already involved in criminal activities. By the age of 14, he had committed serious crimes, including robbery. The turning point in his life came on March 25, 1976, when he murdered an 89-year-old woman named Giovanna Grattarola. This act drew significant media attention due to the gruesome nature of the crime.

After the killing, police could not believe that a single person could commit such a brutal act. They initially suspected multiple individuals were involved. Local homeless people were considered suspects because the crime took place in a neighborhood where they often sought meals and shelter.

Not long after, on August 31, 1976, another case emerged involving the disappearance of Kuo Yuen Suo, a 50-year-old man from China. Kuo was well-liked in the community and was known for being punctual. When he failed to return home for lunch, his wife contacted the police. They searched his shop and found Kuo's body, raising suspicions but yielding little evidence of a culprit.

Fast forward to January 17 and 18, 1991, Valentino's violent behavior continued to escalate. He was implicated in the brutal murders of Anna Maria Carrozzino, 67, and her daughter Maria Grazia Villa, 35, in their Bavari home. A neighbor reported hearing screams and gunshots from their apartment, leading to a tragic discovery.

His criminal trajectory continued until he was arrested and subsequently sentenced to 30 years in prison on May 21, 1992. Today, he remains incarcerated in Porto Azzurro prison, where he has been involved in a prison-run publication, advocating for reforms in the justice system.

Murder Story

Valentino Pesenti, also known as "The Monster of Genoa," committed four murders between 1976 and 1991. His first known victim was 89-year-old Giovanna Grattarola, whose murder took place on March 25, 1976. She was the companion of a countess in Genoa. The next day, bloodstains on the walls of the countess's home drew national attention. Giovanna had been attacked with knives and various household items.

Later in 1976, on August 31, Kuo Yuen Suo, a 50-year-old man originally from China, was found dead in his leather goods shop. He was shot twice, and although there were no signs of robbery, his case also went unsolved.

The next murders occurred on January 17-18, 1991, when Pesenti attacked a mother and daughter, Anna Maria Carrozzino, 67, and Maria Grazia Villa, 35, in their home in the Bavari neighborhood of Genoa. He used a rolling pin, stabbed the victims, and finally inflicted more injuries with poultry shears. A witness heard the screams and later identified Pesenti by his distinctive scarf.

Just hours after the murders, police found Pesenti struggling with his car, which had gotten stuck in a ditch. He was wearing the same scarf described by the witness, and blood was on his clothing. Jewelry from the victims' home was found in his car.

Under questioning, Pesenti confessed to all the murders, claiming he enjoyed killing. He had a long prior criminal history of theft and other offenses. At his trial, he initially tried to give a different story about knowing the victims. However, as the investigation proceeded, it became clear he had no personal connection to them.

Pesenti was sentenced to 30 years in prison on May 21, 1992. He is currently incarcerated and contributes to a publication created by inmates, advocating for prison reforms to promote alternatives to traditional incarceration.