In a tragic incident that has shaken the community of Bitonto, a 75-year-old retired worker named Vincenzo Visaggio has confessed to the murder of his 74-year-old wife, Lucia Chiapparino, on the morning of April 18, 2025. The couple, who had three children, lived in the Mariotto district of Bitonto, located in the province of Bari.
According to reports, Visaggio used a pair of scissors to fatally wound Chiapparino before calling emergency services. "I killed my wife, come," he reportedly told the operators when he dialed 112, admitting to the crime and requesting police assistance. Following the murder, he barricaded himself in the bathroom of their home and attempted to take his own life with the same weapon, suffering non-life-threatening injuries to his chest.
Upon arrival, the Carabinieri managed to break into the bathroom where they found Visaggio with self-inflicted wounds. He was subsequently transported to the Policlinico of Bari for medical treatment and is currently under police custody.
The motive behind this shocking act remains unclear, and investigations are underway to determine if there were any previous incidents of domestic violence or conflict within the couple. The authorities, including the forensic police and local prosecutor Angela Morea, are examining the scene for evidence.
The news has deeply affected the local community, prompting an outpouring of grief and condemnation. Mayor Francesco Paolo Ricci expressed his sorrow in a poignant statement, saying, "This morning, in Mariotto, a woman was killed. A life has been broken, and with it, the breath of the entire community. In this Easter time, when the suffering of the Madonna Addolorata speaks to us of a silent, lacerating pain, this event resonates with an even darker echo. There are no right words. There is only the silence of those who observe injustice and remain wounded by it. Bitonto today is hurt. And it weeps in silence with Mariotto, with those who knew this woman, with those who will feel her absence. I have nothing more to add. No words are needed today.
The incident has sparked discussions about the ongoing issue of domestic violence in Italy, particularly against women, which has seen a disturbing rise in recent years. As the investigation continues, community members are left grappling with the aftermath of this tragedy and the broader implications it holds for societal attitudes towards domestic violence.
Lucia Chiapparino was set to celebrate her 75th birthday in September, and her untimely death has left a significant void in the lives of her family and friends. The couple's three children, who do not live with their parents, are now faced with the painful reality of their mother's murder.
This incident marks yet another example of femicide in Italy, raising urgent questions about the support systems in place for victims of domestic abuse. Advocacy groups are calling for more robust measures to protect individuals in vulnerable situations and to address the root causes of such violence.
As the community mourns, there is a collective hope that this tragedy will serve as a catalyst for change, prompting discussions about prevention and support for those affected by domestic violence. Local leaders and citizens alike are urged to engage in conversations that challenge the societal norms surrounding such issues, fostering an environment where victims feel safe to seek help and where accountability is paramount.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities working diligently to uncover the circumstances that led to this heartbreaking event. As the days unfold, the story of Lucia Chiapparino and Vincenzo Visaggio will likely remain at the forefront of discussions about domestic violence, urging society to confront these difficult realities and strive for a safer future for all.
