A man was arrested on Monday night on
suspicion of accidentally firing the gun that killed a
55-year-old woman during New Year's Eve celebrations in her home
in Afragola near Naples.
The suspect, aged 47, is the nephew of Concetta Russo, who was
hit in the head by a bullet fired from a Beretta Model 84 pistol
and died in hospital from her injuries.
He was arrested in Casoria on charges of manslaughter, illegal
carrying of a gun in a public place and receipt of stolen goods,
on grounds the gun was allegedly stolen.
It was later found by Carabinieri police hidden among the
undergrowth near Afragola cemetery.
Also in Naples, a woman aged around 50 was in critical condition
in hospital on Monday after being hit in the chest by a stray
bullet while watching New Year's fireworks from her balcony.
In total, 274 people were injured in Italy during New Year's
celebrations according to figures from the department of public
security.
This is a 52% increase over the previous year.
Of the casualties, 12 people were injured by firearms and 262 by
fireworks.
The number of injured minors also rose to 64 from 50 last year.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
