Naman Shrestha
The episode titled ‘Danger Travels’ of Investigation Discovery’s ‘The Killer Beside Me’ chronicles the horrific killing of a married retail store employee named Antoinette Venditti Bruce in Rhode Island in March 2011. As the detectives delved deeper into the case, they learned about a deadly obsession that led them to the perpetrator responsible for the gruesome crime. All the intricate details of the case and the ensuing investigation are covered in the documentary, which also features exclusive, emotional interviews with Antoinette’s loved ones.
Antoinette Venditti Bruce Was Assigned to an Out-of-State Project When She Died
Born on January 17, 1976, in New Haven, Connecticut, Antoinette Venditti Bruce was the beloved daughter of Italian parents, Domenico and Elizabeth Venditti, who moved from small farming communities in Italy to New Haven. Growing up in a loving household, she was close to her younger sister, Anna, with whom she shared everything. The East Haven High School graduate was a social butterfly who loved dancing and spending time with her loved ones. After graduating from high school, Antoinette went to Branford Hall Career Institute, where she studied to become a medical assistant.
In 2003, she crossed paths with Christopher Bruce, who later asked for her phone number. As their romance intensified, they tied the knot in October 2008. At the time, Antoinette was employed as a backroom manager/supervisor at the Christmas Tree Shops in Orange, Connecticut, where she had lots of friends. Soon, she was promoted to Senior Storeroom Manager by her employer, but it didn’t stop her from being good friends with her coworkers. In March 2011, she was temporarily assigned to assist in a temporary retail reconfiguration project at the Christmas Tree Shops in Middletown, Rhode Island. While in town, the 35-year-old woman stayed at the Residence Inn at 325 West Main Road.
Unfortunately, Antoinette never returned home to Connecticut, as fate intervened. On the evening of March 29, 2011, a few witnesses notified the police about a stabbing and abduction in the parking lot of the Residence Inn. The detectives arrived at the scene and found Antoinette’s purse but not her car. A while later, the retail store employee was found dead in a drainage ditch off Hanging Rock Road, near Second Beach. The Rhode Island State Medical Examiner’s office concluded that she had died of multiple stab wounds that she had endured. Thus, a homicide investigation was launched to get to the bottom of the case and bring the perpetrator to justice.
Antoinette Venditti Bruce’s Killer’s Obsession Turned Deadly For Her
Several months before Antoinette Venditti Bruce’s demise, a coworker named Zachary “Zac” J. Lapelusa developed a strong fondness for her that soon turned into an obsession. It is alleged that Zac’s behavior towards her started growing inappropriate, as he also began texting her about the pictures she posted online. In November 2010, when he didn’t budge even after Antoinette tried to dissuade him, she complained to her employer about his unprofessional behavior. According to the show, as Zac’s work performance deteriorated, he was fired in early March 2011. Part of the reason for his sacking was his alleged involvement in stealing merchandise from the store. After that, Antoinette assumed her troubles with Zac had ended.
However, when she went to Middletown, Rhode Island, for a temporary assignment, her former coworker followed her there and ambushed her right outside her hotel on March 29, 2011. After stabbing her in the parking lot, he forced her into the trunk of her car and drove off in it. After driving a few miles, he reportedly disposed of her remains in a ditch alongside Hanging Rocks Road. As the detectives searched for Antoinette’s car and the abductor, they found him in Third Beach’s parking lot. A high-speed car chase ensued when Zac noticed the detective. Eventually, he was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping. On March 30, 2011, he reportedly admitted to stabbing Antoinette to death as he allegedly blamed her for his firing.
Zachary “Zac” Lapelusa is Currently Incarcerated at a Rhode Island Prison
About two years later, in May 2013, Zachary “Zac” Lapelusa’s murder trial commenced. The prosecution told the jury that the defendant was lying in wait for Antoinette Bruce to arrive at the hotel when he stabbed her and abducted her. It was revealed in court that she had endured at least 47 stabs at the hands of the defendant. In a surprising turn of events, on May 10, he pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and gave up his right to appeal the conviction or sentencing. Before his sentencing, Antoinette’s sister, Anna Albe, took the stand and addressed the killer. “I and the family of Antoinette Vendetti Bruce will never, ever, ever forgive Zachary Lapelusa,” she said.
She claimed that she wondered “what possessed Mr. Lapeluza to commit this crime…He should never be allowed out of prison, as he has no regard for human life…Antoinette’s death has made me vulnerable and scared to go on with my life. I once was the little sister, and now I am an only child.” Later, Zac also took the stand and apologized to Antoinette’s family and his own. He stated, “I know it’s not going to mean much … but I’m truly sorry for what I did that day … I did a horrible act. I’m sorry that I ruined two families that day.” Ultimately, he was sentenced to life in prison in addition to 20 years for his involvement in the kidnapping and killing of Antoinette Venditti Bruce. As of today, the 39-year-old killer is serving his sentence at the Maximum Security Facility (MAX) in Cranston, Rhode Island.
