A late-night surge in electricity usage between February 20 and 21 became pivotal evidence leading prosecutors in Como to secure the arrest of Daniele Re, 34, for the murder of his partner Ramona Rinaldi, 39. Rinaldi—mother to a six-year-old girl—was initially believed to have died by suicide after being found hanged in their Veniano home’s bathroom.
The energy spike corroborates evidence of three consecutive washing machine cycles run that night in the same bathroom. Inside a dryer above the machine, military police discovered Rinaldi’s bloodstained pajama top. A thumbprint matching the suspect was later identified on the dryer’s handle.
Prosecutors argued the triple washing cycle contradicted suicide claims, noting no rational link between self-harm and urgent laundry efforts. Re was arrested two days ago on charges of aggravated voluntary homicide and domestic abuse. He remains detained at San Vittore prison pending a formal interrogation scheduled for tomorrow morning.
The investigation revealed Re called emergency services at dawn on February 21, claiming he awoke at 5 a.m. to find Rinaldi’s body in the shower. Authorities allege the killing occurred after she expressed intent to end their relationship.