The trial of Francis Ford Kaufmann opened on Monday, February 2, before Rome’s Court of Assize. The American citizen is accused of murdering his partner, Anastasia, and their one-year-old daughter, Andromeda. The two bodies were discovered in June 2025, at different times, hidden among bushes and black garbage bags inside Villa Pamphili park.

Kaufmann attended the hearing seated next to his lawyer and appeared visibly distressed, at times breaking down in tears. During what observers described as a soliloquy, he reportedly repeated: “I am innocent, and all the witnesses who will be called are members of the mafia.” The court adjourned the proceedings until February 9.

Defense attorney Paolo Foti requested that the court order a psychiatric evaluation, arguing that Kaufmann’s mental condition has significantly worsened in recent months and is, in his view, incompatible with standing trial. Rome prosecutors opposed the request, maintaining that the legal requirements are not met. Judges reserved their decision pending the acquisition of the defendant’s clinical records.

According to investigators, Kaufmann allegedly strangled first his partner and then the child, whose paternity was confirmed through DNA testing. In Italy, he presented himself as an American filmmaker using several aliases, including “Rexal Ford.” He has never confessed and has consistently exercised his right to remain silent. After the killings, he fled to Greece, where he was later arrested and extradited under an international warrant.

Investigators also revealed that days after the woman’s death, Kaufmann contacted several baby-modeling agencies in an apparent attempt to secure advertising work for his daughter, likely to obtain money while planning his escape. Meanwhile, prosecutors have opened a separate file, registered as a model 45 inquiry, into possible failures in prior monitoring of Kaufmann. The investigation currently names no suspects and no specific charges.