On Wednesday, December 18, 2023, Giuseppe De Giosa, a 43-year-old man from Adelfia near Bari, was shot dead in Lecce, Italy, marking the third homicide in the region within just a few days. The shooting occurred around 6 PM as De Giosa was sitting inside his white Fiat Panda parked on via Papini, located on the outskirts of the city close to the Santa Rosa district.
Local authorities reported multiple shots fired, with witnesses indicating they heard both screams and gunfire before alerting the police. According to initial reports, the assailant used a Kalashnikov to fire at least three shots, two of which struck De Giosa, including one to the face.
Upon arrival, emergency medical services confirmed his death. Police officers from the mobile unit and the scientific department swiftly cordoned off the area to gather evidence. Inside the vehicle, officers discovered seven kilograms of hashish packed and ready for distribution, which may indicate De Giosa was involved in the narcotics trade.
The investigation is currently being led by the Lecce mobile squad, with the involvement of the Anti-Mafia District Directorate (DDA). Senior officials, including prosecutor Guglielmo Cataldi and deputy prosecutor Giovanna Cannarile, were present at the crime scene. The possibility of the homicide being linked to drug-related conflicts is under scrutiny, as the police explore potential motives and contacts De Giosa might have had with criminal organizations.
According to sources, De Giosa was already known to law enforcement due to prior arrests related to drug trafficking. The discovery of the hashish suggests he may have been targeted due to territorial disputes within the drug trade, where it is believed he “invaded” another gang’s area. This theory aligns with similar incidents, including two other recent murders — one involving a 55-year-old man and another of a 19-year-old — within only 72 hours, all occurring amid growing concerns around drug-related violence.
The crime scene, situated near several residential buildings, might yield significant evidence as police continue to look for surveillance footage and eyewitnesses. Some residents reported seeing suspicious activity around the time of the shooting, which could assist investigators determine the identity of the shooter.
Political reactions to the incident highlighted rising fears of crime and violence across the region. Claudio Stefanazzi, deputy from the Democratic Party, expressed concern about the brazen nature of the daylight shooting, urging the interior minister to address the alarming trend. “A murder in broad daylight, especially in such a populated area, evokes memories of the dark past we hoped to leave behind,” he stated. Stefanazzi pointed out the urgent need for effective measures to combat mafia-style violence, adding, “The only hope now is this execution convinces the minister to take serious action on the discouraging increase of violence I have repeatedly brought to attention.”
Another political leader, Loredana Capone, president of the Regional Council of Puglia, re-emphasized the necessity for strong community efforts against rising criminality. “What happened today raises great concern. There’s a resurgence of crime threatening the safety of our territories. We cannot allow lawlessness to rise again,” she asserted. “We need collaboration among institutions, law enforcement, and citizens to jointly combat violence and criminal infiltration.”
The motive behind De Giosa’s violent death continues to be the focus of the police investigation, as they work tirelessly to piece together the circumstances leading to this shocking event. An autopsy has been ordered to provide more clarity on the cause of death, but initial findings suggest the shooting was deliberate and planned.
The swift escalation of violence within this short timeframe poses serious questions for local authorities and citizens alike, raising alarms about public safety and the effective governance of Puglia’s districts which are battling entrenched issues related to organized crime and drug trafficking. Further investigations are expected to yield more insights as the police continue to pursue leads across Lecce and beyond.
Meanwhile, the local community grapples with the impact of crime on their neighborhoods, with many expressing disbelief over the gravity of such incidents occurring close to their homes. This series of violent actions highlights the pressing need for increased law enforcement presence and proactive measures to curb the influx of narcotics and the gangs behind their distribution.