In July 2025, the quiet Italian town of Gemona del Friuli was shaken by a crime as shocking as it was tragic. Nurse Lorena Venier, 61, confessed to killing and dismembering her own son, Alessandro, with the help of his wife, Mailyn Castro Monsalvo. Behind this grisly act was a story of alleged abuse, fear, and desperation — a mother who claimed she was protecting her daughter-in-law and granddaughter from a cycle of violence.

In this episode, we walk through the events of this crime from Lorena’s perspective.

✨ Mama, Mysteries, & Midnight Murders brings you cozy, haunting storytelling when the world has gone quiet. New episodes every Wednesday.

⚠️ If you or someone you know is struggling, please know you are not alone.

United States 🇺🇸

• ​Domestic Violence: National Domestic Violence Hotline — Call 1-800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788 (24/7, confidential).
• ​Substance Abuse & Mental Health: SAMHSA Helpline — Call 1-800-662-4357 (24/7, confidential treatment referrals and info).
• ​Postpartum Depression & Maternal Mental Health: Postpartum Support International — Call or text 1-800-944-4773, or text “HELP” to 800-944-4773.

Italy 🇮🇹

• ​Domestic Violence & Stalking: National Helpline — Call 1522 (24/7, free and confidential).
• ​Substance Abuse: National Helpline for Addictions — Call 800-186-071 (ANPAA – Associazione Nazionale per le Politiche Antidroga).
• ​Postpartum Depression & Perinatal Support: Telefono Rosa / Perinatal Mental Health Services — Call 1522 or connect with local ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale) mental health centers for immediate support.