Naples – A dramatic turn of events in the trial for the murder of Michele Della Gatta, which took place in 1999 in Castel Volturno. The Court of Assizes of Appeal of Naples has acquitted the boss Michele Zagaria, who for years was considered the instigator of the crime.
In the first instance he had been sentenced to 30 years in prison: today, for the second instance judges, "the fact does not exist".
A sentence that completely overturns the verdict issued on June 1, 2022 by the preliminary investigations judge of Naples Giovanni De Angelis. The murder of Della Gatta – an element believed to be close to the same criminal organization – had remained without a culprit for over two decades, until the statements of some collaborators of justice, including Nicola Schiavone (son of the boss Francesco “Sandokan” Schiavone) and Antonio Iovine, had allowed the reopening of the investigation.
The sentences for the other defendants, however, remain confirmed: 30 years for Vincenzo Schiavone, alias “Petillo”, a leading figure in the clan, and 10 years and 8 months for the former boss Antonio Iovine, now a collaborator of justice.
The murder of Michele Della Gatta, which occurred in 1999 in Castel Volturno
Della Gatta's murder was committed on a beach on the Domitian coast, in a context of feuds and settling of scores within the Casalesi clan. The first investigation by the District Anti-Mafia Directorate ended with a filing, followed years later by the investigative breakthrough resulting from the excellent repentances.
The acquittal of Zagaria, a historic clan leader and a prisoner under the 41-bis regime for years, marks a crucial step in one of the most complex judicial strands linked to the criminal history of the Casalesi clan.
In short
Naples – A dramatic turn of events has taken place in the trial for the murder of Michele Della Gatta, which took place in 1999 in Castel Volturno.
- The Naples Court of Assizes of Appeal has acquitted mafia boss Michele Zagaria, who for years was believed to be the instigator of the crime.
- In the first instance he had been sentenced to 30 years in prison: today, for the judges of the second instance, "the fact…
- A ruling that completely overturns the verdict issued on June 1, 2022, by Naples preliminary hearing judge Giovanni De Angelis.
Key questions
What is the main point of the news?
Naples – A dramatic turn of events has taken place in the trial for the murder of Michele Della Gatta, which took place in 1999 in Castel Volturno.
Why is this news relevant?
The Naples Court of Assizes of Appeal has acquitted mafia boss Michele Zagaria, who for years was believed to be the instigator of the crime.
Which detail helps us understand the case better?
In the first instance he had been sentenced to 30 years in prison: today, for the judges of the second instance, "the fact does not exist".
The sentence seems strange and I don't understand how it is possible that a boss accused of murder is acquitted after so many years. There were too many inconsistencies in the investigation and witnesses changed their versions. It is worrying.