She was an immigrant who became known as a successful business owner in a remote valley in northern Italy. But most Italians had probably never heard of Agitu Ideo Gudeta until last week, when the Ethiopian-born cheesemaker was found bludgeoned to death in her home. Her killing made her front-page news in Italian newspapers, however, with the death mourned and condemned across the country.

The police quickly tracked down the killer: a 32-year-old Ghanaian who had helped Ms. Gudeta care for a rare breed of goat. He admitted having fought with Ms. Gudeta on Tuesday over money, and to killing her with a hammer, investigators and his lawyer said. She was killed just three days short of her 43rd birthday.