Milan police have arrested a 28-year-old Gambian migrant in connection with the murder of a Filipino domestic worker during a break-in at a luxury villa in one of the city’s wealthiest districts.
Angelito Acob Manansala, 61, was found dead in the home on Via Giovanni Randaccio on Easter Sunday. Authorities believe the suspect, Dawda Bandeh, broke into the property while Manansala was out walking a dog. When the victim returned, the two reportedly struggled before Bandeh allegedly strangled him.
Shockingly, the attack came just hours after police had released Bandeh for trying to steal an umbrella and a pair of jeans from a balcony elsewhere in Milan. Although he had a history of petty crimes and a drunk driving record, authorities hadn’t previously detained him due to the relatively minor nature of his past offenses.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows Bandeh scaling the villa’s fence and loitering inside the property for hours after the murder—remaining there even after the owner, recently back from vacation, returned home. Acting cautiously, the homeowner managed to alert police without tipping off the intruder. Responding officers used a taser to subdue Bandeh, who allegedly tried to attack them during the arrest. He was found carrying about €80 in cash and some food.
Manansala, who had lived in Milan for years, was set to travel to the Philippines later this year to marry his longtime partner, Laurelia Arriola. The couple had plans to celebrate Easter Sunday with church and lunch. When Manansala stopped answering calls, Arriola rushed to the villa, only to find the police already at the scene.
The Philippine Consulate has reached out to support Manansala’s family and will assist with returning his body to the Philippines. In a public statement, the consulate urged the Filipino community to pray for Manansala, honoring his memory.
Authorities continue to investigate Bandeh’s motive and actions, particularly why he lingered at the crime scene for so long.
