Apice, disputes over the sale of the restaurant behind the massacre of the three Licciardi brothers.

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Peak Contrasts Over Sale of Restaurant Behind Licciardi Brothers Massacre 2026 09 01

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Apice – Disagreements over the sale of the restaurant. A conflict between the three brothers that had been going on for several months culminated today in the family massacre. And so, a day like any other, at least until shortly before lunchtime, turned into a nightmare for the community of Apice, a small town in the Sannio region.

Late this morning, the lifeless bodies of three brothers were found inside the “Licciardi Ricevimenti” complex: Gianni, 65, Donato, 61, and Franco, 56. All owners of the well-known establishment, which specializes in banquets, weddings, and ceremonies.

According to the initial reconstruction by investigators, coordinated by the Benevento Public Prosecutor's Office and prosecutor Carmine Pignatiello, it appears to be a double homicide followed by suicide. One of the three, most likely the eldest, Gianni, grabbed a gun—legally held and found near his body—and fired at the other two brothers, before turning the weapon on himself.

The dynamics: shots in the courtyard, the third body inside

Two of the bodies—Gianni and Donato—were discovered outdoors, in a courtyard area of the building. Franco's body, however, was found inside, in a storage room. First responders, alerted by the sound of gunfire, were unable to do anything: all three were already dead by the time 118 paramedics arrived.

Carabinieri officers from the Benevento provincial command, led by Colonel Marco Keten, are working to reconstruct the exact sequence of events. In addition to military personnel, police officers and emergency vehicles also responded to the scene.

The motive: disagreements over the management of the restaurant

To shed light on the possible motives for the incident, investigators are investigating the possibility of a dispute that broke out that morning over disagreements over the management of the venue, which, according to rumors, had been put up for sale. The Licciardi property, very large and complex, includes several rooms, a garden, and a swimming pool, and has been a key venue for events and receptions in the area for years.
The details of the argument that led to the extreme act are still unclear. Investigators do not rule out the possibility that further information may emerge in the coming hours, including whether there were other people involved or witnesses to the argument.

The mayor: "The community is in shock, the tragedy is unacceptable."

"Our community is in shock." This is how the mayor of Apice, Angelo Pepe, commented on the news, calling the event "a terrible tragedy that has broken the heart of our community." The mayor expressed his condolences on behalf of the administration and all citizens, assuring the affected families of "the full solidarity and support of a wounded but united community."

"In the face of a tragedy of such proportions, every word seems feeble and insufficient. All that remains is to unite in grief, respect, and a sympathetic silence," Pepe added, remembering the three brothers as "brilliant businessmen" and "decent people," known and respected by all.

Context

The context of the family tragedy in Apice

The massacre of the three Licciardi brothers marks a tragic episode for the Apice community, highlighting family tensions and issues related to the management of a well-established business.

Family disagreements: The disagreements between the brothers concerned the sale of the restaurant, an issue that generated growing tensions.
Licciardi Structure: The Licciardi Ricevimenti restaurant is a well-known venue for events and ceremonies in the area.
Community reaction: The mayor expressed the community's grief, emphasizing the devastating impact of the tragedy.
Investigations underway: Law enforcement is investigating to clarify the dynamics of the events and the possible involvement of other people.
Social impact: The event deeply shook the community, leading to reflections on violence and family relationships.