Husband's brutal murder committed with 40 stabs: "Overwhelmed by domestic violence, she feared her own demise"
In a shocking turn of events, 58-year-old Lucia Salemme has been charged with voluntary manslaughter after confessing to the murder of her husband, Ciro Rapuano, aged 59. The incident occurred in their home in via Sant'Arcangelo, Pendino neighbourhood, Naples.
Salemme, represented by lawyer Riccardo Maria Pinto, has spoken of an aggression by her husband on the night of the murder. According to reports, the killing allegedly occurred between 2:30 and 2:45 AM. The family context of Rapuano's murder is being investigated, with Salemme's claims of abuse being supported by leaks.
Salemme is currently held in the Secondigliano prison, alone in her cell under close observation due to her fragile state. She has described her husband as violent and claims she suffered mistreatment and aggression for years. Investigators estimate around 40 blows were inflicted, but the autopsy will determine the exact number.
During the confrontation, Salemme defended herself from a knife attack by shielding herself with her arms, resulting in a wound that required 30 stitches. She then picked up a second knife present in the bedroom and turned it on her husband.
Salemme will appear before the preliminary investigations judge of the 29th penal section of the Naples Court of Appeals. The hearing is to validate her detention. The aspect of abuse will be explored further during tomorrow's interrogation. The charge could change as the investigation progresses.
Prosecutor Giuliana Giuliano is leading the investigation, and Salemme's claims of abuse are being taken seriously. The search results do not provide information about Salemme's lawyer.
This is a developing story, and more details will be released as the investigation continues. Our thoughts are with the families involved in this tragic event.
