Davide Fontana, a 45-year-old Italian banker, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the gruesome murder of 26-year-old OnlyFans model Carol Maltesi. The crime, which took place in January 2022 and involved brutal violence and efforts to conceal the remains, attracted widespread attention in Italy and internationally. Fontana, who had established contact with Maltesi through a fake OnlyFans profile, killed her after learning of her plan to move away to be closer to her young son. Following a court appeal, his original 30-year sentence was increased to life imprisonment in May 2025, with the court also ordering compensation for Maltesi’s bereaved son.
The case against Davide Fontana unfolded as investigators pieced together a disturbing narrative of premeditated violence. Fontana, who had previously been convicted and sentenced to 30 years in prison, faced an appeal that ultimately resulted in the maximum sentence being imposed. The court found that Fontana’s actions were driven by jealousy and a desire to control Maltesi’s movements after she revealed her intention to relocate for family reasons.
Details of the Crime
According to court documents, Fontana initially established contact with Carol Maltesi through a fraudulent OnlyFans account, enabling him to manipulate and monitor her online activity. The relationship escalated into a volatile confrontation when Maltesi announced plans to move closer to her young son. In January 2022, Fontana murdered Maltesi, employing brutal violence that involved dismemberment of her body. Efforts were made to conceal her remains, which complicated the investigation but did not prevent her body from being discovered.
Judicial Proceedings and Sentencing
Fontana was apprehended shortly after the crime based on forensic evidence and digital footprints traced back to him. He was initially sentenced to 30 years in prison; however, the prosecution appealed for a harsher penalty citing the particularly cruel nature of the crime and its psychological impact on the victim’s family. In May 2025, the appellate court ruled to increase his sentence to life imprisonment.
Alongside the life sentence, the court mandated that Fontana pay financial compensation to Maltesi’s bereaved son, acknowledging the profound loss and trauma suffered by the family due to the defendant’s actions.
Public and Media Reaction
The case drew significant media coverage in Italy and abroad, highlighting issues related to online predation and the dangers faced by individuals in digital content creation industries. Legal experts have noted the importance of the life sentence as a precedent for cases involving extreme domestic violence and premeditated murder motivated by control and jealousy.
The tragedy has also prompted renewed discussions about protective measures for content creators on platforms such as OnlyFans, with calls for enhanced security protocols and legal safeguards.
Conclusion
Davide Fontana’s sentencing to life imprisonment marks the culmination of a high-profile legal battle addressing a violent and tragic crime. The judicial system’s response underscores a firm stance against brutality and the exploitation of digital platforms for malicious purposes. The case remains a somber reminder of the ongoing challenges in protecting vulnerable individuals within evolving online environments.
Conclusion
The life sentence imposed on Davide Fontana concludes a deeply distressing case that highlighted the intersection of online exploitation and violent crime. The judicial outcome reflects a decisive commitment to punishing acts of extreme violence and addressing the misuse of digital platforms for criminal intentions. This case also serves as a critical reminder of the need for continued vigilance and improved protective frameworks for individuals engaged in digital content creation, ensuring their safety in an increasingly interconnected world.