Arzano: Breakthrough in Coppola's murder: 11 arrests

Arzano – A decisive response from the state to stem the violent conflict between criminal groups in the northern area. The Carabinieri of the Castello di Cisterna Investigative Unit have executed a precautionary custody order against 11 individuals believed to be associated, in various capacities, with the Arzano "167" clan and the Amato-Pagano splinter faction. At the center of the investigation is the tragic murder of Rosario Coppola, the house painter with no criminal record killed last February.

The tragic mistake of Via Barone

Investigators' reconstruction has shed light on the dynamics of the ambush that took place on Via Alberto Barone. Rosario Coppola was hit by five gunshots while with a friend, a barber who was wounded in the arm. According to the DDA, Coppola was an innocent victim: the real target of the hitmen was a prominent member of the "167" group, recently released from prison. A fatal case of mistaken identity, which occurred in a climate of extreme tension over supremacy over the area's illicit businesses.

The figure of the alleged perpetrator

Among those targeted is 32-year-old Salvatore Romano, known as "Sasy," believed by investigators to be close to the Pagano family. Romano is accused of organizing and executing the raid together with Armando Lupoli. Lupoli, however, is not among those arrested today: his criminal career came to an abrupt end last month when he was himself the victim of an ambush on Via Mazzini, targeted by a commando operating in paramilitary fashion.

The map of the raid and the arrests

The investigation, coordinated by the investigating magistrates, has allowed them to map the new hierarchies and fluid alliances between Arzano and the surrounding municipalities. In addition to Romano, 49-year-old Raffaele Silvestro was arrested on charges of criminal conspiracy. The list of those detained includes several figures deemed by investigators to be central to extortion and territorial control, including Antonio Caiazza, Davide Pescatore aka pal e fierr, Vittorio Scognamiglio, Mattia Rea, Francesco Attrice aka ferrar (arrested for weapons charges a few months ago), Salvatore Lupoli aka trombone (Armano Lupoli's cousin and an extortionist along with Pescatore), Antonio Alterio aka sheriff, Umberto Lupoli aka dwarf, and Pietroangelo Leotta aka chiatt.

Two Camorra murders in one month have opened a raft of investigations, uncovering what could be described as a war between affiliates and former allies for control of illicit activities in the area. The latest murder took place on Via Mazzini, also in Arzano, where the killers, fully decked out in helmets and suits reminiscent of scenes from the TV series Gomorrah, targeted Armando Lupoli, 49, already known to law enforcement, with his wife, who miraculously survived, at his side. The fearless killers even chased him to ensure they had completed their deadly mission.

Despite being rushed to the Frattamaggiore emergency room, the man died shortly after arrival. Meanwhile, the Carabinieri of the Castello di Cisterna Investigative Unit, under the command of Major Andrea Coratza, had explored all leads to solve these criminal mysteries. The Amato-Pagano clan's leadership also extends to other municipalities through its allied Ferone group in the historic center of Casavatore. The scenario in which the double homicide occurred, therefore, is a war between criminal groups attempting to divide up the cities previously controlled by the Moccia family and subsequently by the Monfregolo-Cristiano group. Initially united, they ended up fighting among themselves over extortion and drug trafficking.

Among those under investigation are also the boss Renato Napoleone, Gennaro Salvati, Andrea Olivello, and Angelo Antonio Gambino.

A feud for territory

The picture emerging from the investigations conducted by the military, under the command of Major Andrea Coratza, is one of open warfare between former allies. Internal divisions and the struggle for control of drug dealing hubs have sparked a spiral of violence that has resulted in two murders in less than a month. The arrest of Romano and his associates now opens up new investigative avenues, aimed at neutralizing the operational capabilities of groups who, to assert their power, have not hesitated to strike in public places, endangering the safety of citizens.

PB