Naples - More than a murder attempt, a message sent with lead. This is the investigative hypothesis emerging after Antonio De Luca, 34, a convicted felon from Barra, was shot four times in the legs while returning home on Via Suor Maria della Passione Beata, in eastern Naples.
The attack occurred shortly after midnight. According to investigators' reconstruction, De Luca was a few meters from his home when a car carrying two men approached him. One of the men got out or opened fire from the car, firing several shots that struck the 34-year-old in both legs: three bullets in the left leg and one in the right.
Rescued by 118 operators, the injured man was transported to the Ospedale del Mare, where he is hospitalized with a guarded prognosis but his life is not thought to be in danger.
The investigative hypothesis: a warning from the Camorra
The investigation is primarily focused on the Camorra connection to the incident. Investigators are reconstructing the victim's social contacts, who was interviewed for preliminary information but deemed uncooperative.
The incident occurred in an area historically believed to be under the influence of the Valda clan, the gang linked to Francesco Pio Valda, sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of the innocent young man Francesco Pio Maimone.
For this reason, the theory of an "offense" against the criminal groups running the illicit businesses in the area is gaining ground. A demonstrative action, with shots fired deliberately in the legs, a technique often used in organized crime circles to send a message without necessarily killing the target.
However, the possibility that the motive may be related to personal issues remains open.
A precedent that weighs on the investigations
Investigators are also looking into a possible connection to an incident that occurred late last year.
Antonio De Luca had already been the target of intimidation at that time: several gunshots were fired near his home, causing no injuries. This precedent takes on a particularly weighty weight today and could represent the first step in an escalation that culminated in the wounding of the last few hours.
Investigators are examining cameras and shell casings
The military arrived at the scene of the ambush and carried out technical investigations, seizing two shell casings and finding several traces of blood at number 129 of Via Suor Maria della Passione Beata.
The footage captured by the area's video surveillance systems, already acquired by investigators, could prove crucial, along with testimonies gathered from residents. The goal is to identify the car used by the two hitmen and reconstruct the route taken before and after the raid.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Antonio De Luca attack
Here are some frequently asked questions about the attack on Antonio De Luca and the context in which it occurred.
Who is Antonio De Luca?
Antonio De Luca is a 34-year-old criminal, originally from Barra, Naples.
What happened during the ambush?
De Luca was wounded by four gunshots to the lower limbs while returning home.
What is the investigative hypothesis?
It is assumed that this was a warning from the Camorra, rather than an attempted murder.
Have there been any intimidating precedents?
Yes, De Luca had already been the target of an intimidation attack with gunshots fired near his home last year.
