A tragic accident marks Naples

On the night between Friday and Saturday, a dramatic event shook Naples, leading to the death of an 18-year-old, Arcangelo Correra. The episode, initially interpreted as an assault, turned out to be the result of a “game” that got out of hand. The one who paid the price was Correra, hit in the head by a bullet accidentally fired by Renato Caiafa, the victim’s 19-year-old cousin.

The investigations and the arrest of Renato Caiafa

The authorities issued an arrest warrant against Caiafa, who decided to present himself spontaneously at the police station to clarify the dynamics of the incident. According to the investigations:

• Caiafa is accused of illegal possession of a weapon and receiving stolen goods.
• The murder weapon, a 9x21 Beretta pistol, was seized by the police.
• The young man was charged with manslaughter and taken to prison. Authorities continue to investigate to ascertain the exact details of the tragedy.

The account of the circumstances of the incident suggests that Caiafa was handling the weapon when the fatal shot was fired. It is suspected that he was attempting to “test” the weapon while in the company of friends.

An alarming context

This episode is part of a broader context of youth violence in Naples. In the last 17 days, three young people have been killed by firearms. Citizens are expressing concern about the growing impunity and ease with which young people have access to weapons. Mayor Gaetano Manfredi stressed that current institutional measures are not enough. He highlighted the need for targeted interventions in education and social support to prevent similar tragedies. Fear has also reached the tourism sector, with many operators reporting that visitors are fleeing the areas most affected by the violence. In response to this downward spiral, about 300 people participated in a demonstration entitled “Let’s free Naples from violence”, promoted by Libera and the local diocese. Voices are raised to demand concrete measures against youth violence and access to weapons. With the increase in violent incidents among young people, there is an urgent need for effective actions to address this crisis. The community demands clear and timely responses from institutions.