Giuseppe De Giosa, aged 43 and originally from Bari, was brutally shot and killed on the evening of December 18, 2023, as he sat inside his white Fiat Panda on Via Papini, near the Santa Rosa district of Lecce. Witnesses described the sound of gunfire, reporting several shots were fired, with at least one bullet hitting De Giosa directly in the face.
The incident, which took place around 18:00 hours, has shocked the local community and highlighted a troubling surge of organized crime-related violence in the area. According to the police, this tragically marks the third homicide within just 48 hours across Puglia, following similar violent acts committed against others, raising alarm bells about increasing lawlessness and gang activity.
De Giosa had previous arrests related to drug trafficking and was reportedly affiliated with the notorious Di Cosola clan, known for its nefarious activities within the region. His connections to organized crime raise concerns about possible motives for his assassination, as authorities discovered over seven kilograms of hashish stowed away inside his vehicle. This substantial amount of drugs, packaged for distribution, strengthens the hypothesis of the murder being linked to inter-gang rivalries and territorial disputes common among criminal organizations.
Local police officials were quick to respond to the scene, aided by scientific officers who arrived to collect evidence and analyze the crime scene. Initial reports indicate the use of multiple firearms, including one identified as a Kalashnikov. The circumstances surrounding the shooting suggest it was not merely random violence but rather a targeted hit orchestrated by individuals who likely knew De Giosa well.
Residents of the area expressed deep concern and fear. They reported hearing screams followed by the sound of gunfire, reflecting a palpable atmosphere of terror. One local politician, Claudio Stefanazzi of the Democratic Party, commented on the situation, saying, "An execution like this, carried out openly in the afternoon within such a populated neighborhood, brings back memories of the dark past we thought we had left behind." He expressed hope for urgent action from the Minister of the Interior, who has so far failed to address the rising violence adequately.
Officials informed the public about the comprehensive investigation underway, coordinated by the DDA (Anti-Mafia Directorate) of Lecce. Several eyewitness accounts are being reviewed, alongside forensic evidence collected from the scene. Despite the chaos surrounding the assassination, the police are confident they will identify those responsible, as they launch extensive searches throughout the region.
Alessandro Delli Noci, the regional councilor, shared similar sentiments about the increasing crime rates. He underscored the need for greater safety measures and pledged his commitment to collaborate with law enforcement to tackle this menace. Delli Noci voiced the urgency of restoring peace to the impacted community, stating, "What happened today is grave, and we must work together to understand the underlying issues feeding this violence all over our community."
The investigation continues to develop, with police actively pursuing leads and conducting searches aimed at apprehending the high-risk suspects believed to be behind this horrific crime. Investigators are faced with the task of piecing together the puzzle of De Giosa's death and its links to organized crime's grip on the region. The situation remains fluid, and local authorities are on high alert as they battle to quell the rising tide of violence threatening public safety.
Residents are left shaken, wondering whether the old fears of mafia-style killings will force their way back, after having hoped they had received some measure of tranquillity. The rapid succession of violent events serves as a harsh reminder of the challenges still confronting law enforcement and communities across Puglia, reminding them of the persistent and disturbing presence of organized crime.
Time will tell how effectively law enforcement can combat the influence of such organizations, but for now, the people of Lecce are on edge, watching and waiting for justice to be served for Giuseppe De Giosa and all those affected by the recent surge of violence.
