Naples, February 12, 2026 – Chiara Jaconis, a 32-year-old tourist from Padua, tragically died in Naples on September 17, 2024, two days after being struck by a 10-kilogram statue that fell from a balcony in the city’s Spanish Quarters. The incident, which occurred on September 15, 2024, has led to a complex legal process, with a 13-year-old boy declared not imputable due to his age, while his parents face charges of negligence.
The Tragic Incident and Immediate Aftermath
Chiara Jaconis was reportedly walking through the Spanish Quarters when she was hit by the heavy object. She was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to her injuries two days later. Investigations quickly identified the balcony from which the statue fell and subsequently, the 13-year-old boy responsible for its fall. The object, described as a statuette, weighed approximately 10 kilograms.
Legal Proceedings and the Court’s Decision
In recent hours, the court delivered its verdict regarding the minor involved. Given his age, the 13-year-old has been declared not imputable, meaning he cannot be held criminally responsible for the death. This decision, while legally sound, has brought renewed attention to the emotional toll on the victim’s family.
Family’s Plea for Apology and Ongoing Investigation
Gianfranco Jaconis, Chiara’s father, expressed his appreciation for the magistrates’ work in unequivocally reconstructing the events. However, he also voiced a profound hope: “We appreciate the work of the magistrates who have unequivocally reconstructed what happened: on our part, we still hope that the boy’s parents can finally understand who is on the other side and, in a gesture of humanity, decide to recognize their faults, apologizing for what happened.”
The parents of the 13-year-old are currently under investigation by the Naples Public Prosecutor’s Office on suspicion of negligent supervision of their son. An preliminary hearing is pending, during which a judge will determine whether they will face trial.
Chiara Jaconis: A Life Cut Short
Tomorrow, February 13, would have been Chiara Jaconis’s 32nd birthday. Her death has sparked widespread grief and calls for justice, particularly from her family. The incident also highlighted the close-knit community response in Naples, with Chiara’s sister, Roberta, previously noting how Neapolitans had “alleviated a dramatic moment” for the family. A torchlight vigil was also held in Chiara’s memory, where her father described the attendees as “the most beautiful people in the world.”
Broader Implications and Public Sentiment
This tragic case has resonated deeply within both Padua and Naples, prompting discussions around public safety, parental responsibility, and the legal complexities surrounding crimes committed by minors. The community continues to follow the developments closely, awaiting further legal proceedings concerning the parents of the minor involved.
The incident is one of several recent high-profile cases in Naples, including other crime reports and social events, underscoring the dynamic and sometimes challenging urban environment.
Source: https://www.napolitoday.it/cronaca/morte-chiara-jaconis-napoli-sentenza.html