Story By: Lee Bullen, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska,  Agency: Newsflash

This pretty young woman has been stabbed to death reportedly by her obsessed ex-boyfriend when she tried to shield her new lover.

Sonia Di Maggio, 29, and her boyfriend Francesco Damiano, 29, were on their way to the supermarket when they were reportedly attacked by the victim’s ex, identified as Salvatore Carfora.

The incident took place in the town of Specchia Gallone, a suburb of Minervino in the southern Italian region of Salento, on 1st February.

According to reports, Carfora emerged from the darkness and attacked Damiano with a knife from behind as the victim tried to defend him, shielding him with her body.

Di Maggio was stabbed in the neck, chest and abdomen, as her boyfriend was screaming for help, but by the time anyone arrived Carfora had already escaped.

The young woman was bleeding heavily as her boyfriend and some passersby tried to resuscitate her and called the police.

She was taken to the hospital, but died shortly after arrival.

Carfora was stopped by officers as he was trying to catch a train to get out of town.

He was still wearing the clothes and backpack he had on at the time of the crime.

After interrogation, he led the Carabinieri to the place where he had disposed of the weapon and admitted to the murder, according to local media.

The victim’s boyfriend said that he recognised the murderer as he had seen him several times on social media.

Damiano said: “We were going to the supermarket alone, then he came out of nowhere, grabbed her by her neck and started stabbing her continuously over 20 times.”

Sonia left her ex months ago and had recently moved to Salento to live with her new boyfriend, but Carfora reportedly continued to stalk her, send her messages, and even threatened to kill her.

Carfora was discharged from a psychiatric hospital in Aversa last June, and ended up on the streets afterwards, according to local media.

The police said he was recently released from prison after stabbing a parking attendant during a row.

Salvatore Carfora remains under arrest and he is currently the only suspect in the murder.

The investigation is ongoing.

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