A violent brawl erupted on Sunday, March 16, 2025, outside a disco in San Benedetto del Tronto, resulting in the tragic death of Amir Benkharbouch, a 24-year-old originally from Tunisia who resided in Giulianova. The confrontation was marked by severe violence, leaving the town shaken and alerting authorities to the rising concerns about public safety during nightlife hours.
In the aftermath of the chaos, the local court in Ascoli Piceno, presided over by Judge Angela Miccoli, took swift action. On Thursday, March 20, the court authorized pre-trial detentions for several individuals associated with the brawl. These include Daniele Seghetti, a Grottammare resident who was hospitalized following surgery related to injuries from the incident, and Francesco Sorge, a young man from Monteprandone.
Both Seghetti and Sorge had previously been under investigation while free but were deemed a risk for potential escape due to their criminal backgrounds. Seghetti, who has multiple previous offenses, was described as being on probation with social services at the time of the brawl. Sorge faces charges of aggravated brawl and serious injury due to his involvement in the fight, where he reportedly used a chain.
Additionally, Federico Di Stanislao, 20, and Denis Roul Rotaru, 23, both hailing from Giulianova, are currently incarcerated as well. Di Stanislao is viewed as the perpetrator of the fatal attack on Benkharbouch and is charged with attempted murder alongside his involvement in the brawl. Rotaru faces grave accusations including attempted murder and aggravated injury.
On the lighter side, Helmi Nessibi, 29, from Grottammare has been placed under house arrest. His role in the fight has been considered secondary, yet he faces similar accusations of aggravated brawl.
As investigations unfold, the insecurity surrounding late-night activities in San Benedetto del Tronto has intensified. The necessary autopsy of Amir Benkharbouch is slated for Friday, March 21, tasked to medical professionals Rosanna Zamparese and Francesco Paolo Busardò. They will aim to ascertain the cause of death, the weapon responsible, and whether it is also the same weapon that has left Seghetti injured.
As the legal system moves forward, emerging details suggest that tensions had been high in the days leading up to the brawl, with allegations of prior disputes among the parties involved. Reports indicate that Di Stanislao himself claimed to have found the weapon during the confrontation, suggesting he may have been trying to defend himself from the surrounding group.
In statements made by legal representatives, there’s a prevailing sense of confusion regarding the exact series of events that transpired. Lawyer Luigi Gialluca, representing Di Stanislao, emphasized the need to review surveillance footage from the area which is believed to be extensive. He argued for the necessity of these visuals to clarify the roles each individual played during the altercation.
“My client has been accused of murder and attempted murder in a situation where he acted entirely out of panic,” Gialluca stated. “It’s crucial to get the full context of what occurred on that tragic night.”
Another lawyer, Francesco Gozzi, spoke regarding his client Rotaru, who is similarly grappling with the aftermath of the brawl. “He is deeply affected by the tragic outcome of this confrontation,” Gozzi remarked. “The emotional toll is substantial, and we realize the urgency to distinguish all participants' behavior that led to this devastation.”
As authorities continue to unravel the details, the stark realization is that public places intended for socializing have the potential to harbor violence, risking the safety of patrons. The town and its leaders are being pressed not only to address legal outcomes but to bring to light how similar occurrences can be prevented in the future.
The autopsy results are expected to provide crucial information and help solidify the legal narrative moving forward as the court prepares for upcoming hearings. With many questions still pending answers, the residents of San Benedetto del Tronto are left awaiting both justice and reassurance that their community remains a safe place to gather.
