The parents of a 13-year-old boy are facing manslaughter charges after their son hurled a statue off a hotel balcony in Naples, Italy, resulting in the death of a female tourist. The incident occurred on September 15, 2024, when Chiara Jaconis, 30, was struck in the head by a 2-kilogram object while walking down a street. She was rushed to a hospital but died two days later from her head injury.
Prosecutors Allege Negligence
Prosecutors argue that the tragedy could have been prevented if the parents had properly supervised their son. They claim the boy had engaged in similar dangerous acts in the past, and the parents should have been aware of his behavior. According to Italian outlet Today, the prosecutor's office stated that the parents “should have supervised the boy,” which would have prevented the reckless act that led to Jaconis's death.
Parents Deny Responsibility
The parents have denied any wrongdoing through their lawyers, asserting that the statue did not belong to them. They have appealed to the court, requesting that their son be acquitted based on that fact and his age. They argue there is “no case to answer” and that he should be formally cleared of any crime. The boy was cleared by a juvenile court because he is under the age of 14 and cannot be held criminally responsible under Italian law.
Background of the Case
Jaconis and her boyfriend, Livio Rousseau, were heading to the airport to return to their home in Padua when the tragedy struck. Juvenile prosecutors closed their investigation eight months after Jaconis's death, and a preliminary hearing at a Naples court to determine whether the parents should stand trial is scheduled for June 26. The case has drawn significant attention in Italy and abroad, highlighting issues of parental responsibility and juvenile justice.
