Professor Francesco Introna recounts the results of the autopsy in the trial in which Salvatore Vassalli, a worker from Canosa arrested last May for the murder of the physiotherapist, is accused.
First the gunshots, six of which – of the seven fired – hit Mauro Di Giacomo in the head and body. Then the fury with the physiotherapist already on the ground, hit in the head “probably” with the butt of the gun and then also in the hand, “perhaps while he was trying to protect himself”.
This is how the 63-year-old physiotherapist killed on the evening of 18 December in Bari, a few steps from his home in Via Tauro, died “in a few minutes”.in the Poggiofranco district.
The results of the autopsy were recounted in the courtroom of the Assize Court of Bari by Professor Francesco Introna, director of the forensic medicine institute of the Polyclinic. Introna was heard as part of the trial in which he is accused the 59-year-old Salvatore Vassalli, a worker from Canosa arrested last May for the murder of the physiotherapist.
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Vassalli, according to what the doctor told, aa first shot would have been fired from a distance of about 30 centimetresbefore exploding two more “in rapid succession” from an even shorter distance, which hit the physiotherapist in the face. The shots would all have been fired when Di Giacomo was still standing and the victim, again according to Introna’s story, would have turned around before falling, fracturing his humerus on impact with the ground. The fatal shots would have hit Di Giacomo in the aorta and lungs, causing his death within a few minutes.
According to the Bari Prosecutor’s Office, Vassalli acted out of resentment and anger, dictated by a civil lawsuit that his daughter had brought against Di Giacomo, of whom she had been a patient.
The woman accused the physiotherapist of some injuries suffered during a treatment and, for this reason, she sued him. Vassalli is charged with the aggravating circumstances of cruelty, premeditation, the victim’s impaired defense (who at that moment was not in a position to defend himself, finding himself with two shopping bags and a backpack in his hands) and futile reasons: that evening, after waiting for Di Giacomo outside his house, he killed him by firing pistol shots from close range before fleeing in his car.
The trial will resume at the next hearing on December 3.
November 26, 2024 (changed November 26, 2024 | 3:55 pm)
**Dr. Rossi highlights that “incidents like these… erode the sense of security.” How might different societal approaches to conflict resolution, as suggested by Attorney Bianchi, potentially address this erosion and foster a greater sense of community safety?**
## Interview: The Murder of Mauro Di Giacomo – A Closer Look
**Guests:**
* **Dr. Maria Rossi, Criminologist:** Expert in analyzing criminal behavior and motive.
* **Attorney Lorenzo Bianchi:** Experienced defense attorney with a focus on homicide cases.
**Host:** Welcome to World Today News. Today, we’ll be discussing the tragic murder of physiotherapist Mauro Di Giacomo, delving into the forensic details and exploring the possible motivations behind this senseless act.
**Section 1: The Autopsy Report & the Mechanics of the Crime**
**Host:** Dr. Rossi, the autopsy report paints a grim picture, detailing multiple gunshots and blunt force trauma. Can you shed some light on the significance of these findings in understanding the nature of this crime? What does this tell us about the attacker’s state of mind?
**Dr. Rossi:** The brutality of the attack, evidenced by the multiple gunshot wounds and the head injuries inflicted after Di Giacomo was already on the ground, strongly suggest a level of rage and premeditation.
**Host:** Professor Introna also mentioned the close range of the shots. What implications does this have for the investigation, particularly regarding potential motive and the relationship between the victim and the accused?
**Dr. Rossi:** The close range suggests a personal element, an extreme level of intimacy with the crime. It points towards a grudge or a deeply personal reason for the attack.
**Section 2: The Accused & the Alleged Motive**
**Host:** Attorney Bianchi, Salvatore Vassalli is accused of murdering Di Giacomo, supposedly driven by resentment stemming from a civil lawsuit filed by his daughter against the victim. What are your thoughts on this alleged motive, and how strong is the prosecution’s case based on this information?
**Attorney Bianchi:** The alleged motive is certainly circumstantial. While the lawsuit provides a possible explanation for animosity, it doesn’t definitively establish guilt. We need to explore all angles, including the possibility of other motives or even a case of mistaken identity.
**Host:** The prosecution has invoked aggravating circumstances such as “cruelty,” “premeditation,” and “futile reasons.” How do these play into the trial and what challenges might they pose for the defense?
**Attorney Bianchi:** These aggravating circumstances could significantly impact sentencing if Vassalli is found guilty. As defense attorney, my role is to scrutinize the evidence, challenge the prosecution’s narrative, and present alternative perspectives to ensure a fair trial for my client.
**Section 3: The Bigger Picture & Societal Implications**
**Host:** This case has understandably shocked the community. Dr. Rossi, how do incidents like these impact public perception of safety and trust within a community?
**Dr. Rossi:** Such acts of violence naturally generate fear and anxiety. They erode the sense of security and can lead to a heightened awareness of potential threats, even if statistically rare.
**Host:** Attorney Bianchi, what lessons can be learned from this case, not only for legal professionals but also for society at large?
**Attorney Bianchi:** This case underlines the complexity of human behavior and the profound impact of conflict, even in seemingly mundane situations. It highlights the need for effective conflict resolution mechanisms and the importance of addressing societal issues that contribute to such tragedies.
**Host:** Thank you both for your insightful perspectives. This case will undoubtedly continue to unfold, raising important questions about justice, motivation, and the fragility of life. We will continue to follow the developments closely.
