Police Chief Sentenced to Life for Killing Ex-Colleague After Secret Affair While Trying to Save His Marriage

Former police chief Giampiero Gualandi has been sentenced to life imprisonment following the conclusion of his nine-month trial on November 20.

Gualandi was found guilty of fatally shooting his former colleague and lover, Sofia Stefani, with his service pistol on May 16, 2024. Despite Sofia being engaged at the time, reports revealed that the pair had been involved in an affair.

During the trial, Gualandi’s lawyers argued that the shooting was accidental, claiming it occurred during a struggle initiated by Sofia. However, forensic analysis contradicted this defense—no fingerprints or DNA belonging to Sofia were found on the Glock pistol.

The court in Bologna, Italy, convicted Gualandi of murder, adding an aggravating factor due to their emotional relationship. Judges concluded that the killing, which took place inside the Anzola dell’Emilia town police headquarters, was intentional and may have been driven by an attempt to protect Gualandi’s marriage.

According to Sofia’s mother, Angela Querzè, the fatal shot was fired “almost at point-blank range.”

Further investigation revealed that Gualandi’s wife had discovered the affair in April 2024. Although Gualandi claimed he ended the relationship in February, messages recovered from Sofia’s phone proved that their contact continued up to the day she was killed.

Prosecutor Lucia Russo told the court that on April 30, Sofia attempted to contact Gualandi’s wife to reveal the truth, adding that “he knew she would not give up.”

It was also disclosed during the trial that Sofia had borderline personality disorder and was undergoing psychiatric treatment. Her mother maintained that Sofia was emotionally manipulated, saying:

“I believe Sofia was manipulated, and it was really severe and persistent.”