A young boy is facing accusations of causing the death of a tourist by throwing a statue from a balcony, with claims that he had a history of throwing objects from high places, although his parents deny ownership of the object in question.
Italian visitor Chiara Jaconis, 30, tragically lost her life after being struck in the head by a 4.4lbs statue while walking in Naples with her boyfriend in 2024. Despite immediate medical attention, she succumbed to severe head injuries two days later.
Due to legal restrictions against holding minors criminally responsible in Italy, the 13-year-old boy’s parents are now being charged with manslaughter. Prosecutors argue that the parents failed to supervise their child adequately, pointing to past incidents where the boy allegedly threw various objects from the balcony, including clothes, a remote control, and a tablet.
The parents have refuted any wrongdoing, emphasizing their care and protection towards their son, who has been dealing with health issues since birth. They have contested the court’s decision, seeking to exonerate their son based on the specifics of the case rather than his age.
In the pursuit of justice, Chiara’s family continues to press for accountability. CCTV footage captured the devastating moment when Chiara was struck by the falling statue while exploring the city’s Spanish Quarters with her boyfriend before their planned departure that evening.
After being rushed to the Hospital of the Sea, Chiara passed away, having previously received medical care at the Old Pellegrini hospital. The statue, depicting an ancient pagan deity, fell from a third-floor balcony, causing the fatal incident for the former Prada store manager.
A tribute service was held in memory of Chiara, where her mother, Cristina Venturi, encouraged attendees to celebrate her vibrant life with smiles and colorful memories. The service concluded with a symbolic gesture of releasing messages tied to balloons into the air as a collective farewell to Chiara.