Chiara Nava The alleged sniper from Via della Giuliana in Rome's Prati neighborhood, accused of wounding writer Cristina Stillitano with a shot from an air rifle on Monday, September 14, has turned himself in to the Carabinieri. The man, a 50-year-old unemployed man identified as Edoardo Ciardiello Crescimanno , presented himself to the Compagnia San Pietro accompanied by his lawyer, Giampaolo Balzarelli.
The 50-year-old is now being questioned by prosecutor Alessandra D'Amore . The prosecutor's office may charge him with attempted murder , while the reasons behind the use of the weapon remain unclear. The man reportedly appeared confused and decided to defer to the judicial authorities' decisions.
Prati Sniper: The Hunt for the Perpetrator After the Shooting
The investigation began immediately after the writer's wounding, an incident that had caused considerable alarm among local residents . The Carabinieri began a series of investigations to reconstruct the dynamics of the shooting and identify its possible origin. Investigators also haven't ruled out the possibility that the same weapon may be linked to other similar incidents in the area.
In a statement, the Carabinieri explained that the investigation also involved the Scientific Investigations Unit (RIS) . Specialists conducted surveys at the scene using 3D reconstruction technologies, with the aim of precisely determining the bullet's trajectory.
During the investigations, several lead bullets were recovered and traces believed to be linked to other incidents were identified. At the same time, the officers mapped businesses specializing in the sale of weapons and verified data relating to purchases made at local gun shops.
The rifle purchased in September
The analysis of the sales allowed investigators to identify a significant element for the investigation: in early September, an air rifle was allegedly purchased by a man living on Via della Giuliana.
The investigations would have therefore led to the identification of Ciardiello Crescimanno, who is now in the Compagnia San Pietro Carabinieri barracks together with his lawyer and the prosecutor.
It was apparently his lawyer who convinced the 50-year-old to voluntarily appear, having urged him, starting in the early hours of the morning, to cooperate with investigators. The man then decided to turn himself in and face questioning.
The full details of the incident, its possible connection to other reported shootings in the area, and, above all, the motive , remain to be clarified. The legal characterization of the facts will be assessed by the Prosecutor's Office based on the evidence gathered during the investigation and the ongoing questioning.