An Italian chef accused of carrying out a knife attack at a restaurant in Monaco-Ville nearly three years ago is due to stand trial before Monaco’s Criminal Court from Tuesday, in a case that shocked the Principality’s hospitality sector.
According to original reporting by Monaco-Matin, 64-year-old Rocco Emilio Tramontana faces charges of attempted murder and making death threats following an incident at the former L’Estragon restaurant on August 8, 2023. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment.
Prosecutors allege the violence erupted shortly after lunchtime service began when Tramontana, who worked as a chef at the establishment, stabbed a 56-year-old Senegalese kitchen porter in the abdomen during an altercation. The victim sustained life-threatening injuries and was rushed to the Princess Grace Hospital Centre (CHPG), where doctors initially feared for his life.
Investigators say the defendant then attempted to attack a second employee, a 61-year-old Italian-Colombian chef with whom he is believed to have previously had a relationship. She managed to escape across the street to the Pinocchio restaurant, where she sought refuge before colleagues intervened.
Tramontana was reportedly restrained by restaurant staff before being arrested by a Carabinier and a police officer. He was later placed in custody and formally charged by an investigating judge. While prosecutors initially pursued an aggravated charge linked to a former domestic relationship, that element was ultimately dropped ahead of trial.
The injured kitchen porter, who has since recovered, is expected to testify as a civil party during the proceedings. Represented by Nice lawyer Armand Anave, he is expected to describe the attack and seek answers over what prompted the alleged assault.
It remains unclear whether the second alleged victim will appear before the court. She is not represented by legal counsel, and her testimony could shed further light on the relationship between herself and the accused.
Over the four-day hearing, judges and jurors are expected to hear from around 20 witnesses, including police investigators, forensic specialists and psychiatric experts. Former colleagues and acquaintances are also expected to give evidence about the working environment at the restaurant and the personalities of those involved.
During the judicial investigation, Tramontana admitted carrying out the attack but reportedly struggled to explain his actions, claiming he experienced a “blackout” at the time of the incident.
A central issue for the court will be whether prosecutors can establish the intent to kill required to support the attempted murder charges.
The trial is scheduled to conclude on Friday, July 3.