One of the minors, identified as De Astis, expresses relief: "Dodged danger". Salvini, the politician, voices concern: "Justice system seizes them from their parents"
In the heart of Milan, Italy, a tragic incident unfolded on a fateful day. Four minors, aged between 11 and 13, were involved in a hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of 71-year-old Cecilia De Astis.
The accident occurred on Via Saponaro, not far from where the boys' families reside in caravans. The minors, in a desperate act, had stolen a car they found the spare keys for in a French tourist's luggage. They returned to the scene, moved the car, and then took it, accelerating until they lost control and hit Cecilia De Astis.
Currently, no criminal charges have been brought against the minors due to their age, as they are all under 14, the age of criminal responsibility in Italian law. However, the prosecutor has opened a case for vehicular homicide aggravated by failure to render assistance.
The local police, led by Gianluca Mirabelli, identified the boys using surveillance cameras and their distinctive yellow Pokémon t-shirts. The store's cameras provided clearer images of the boys' faces.
In response to the incident, three of the minors have been separated from their families and placed in protected communities by order of the Juvenile Prosecutor’s Office and Local Police. The fourth minor, an 11-year-old, is still being searched for by authorities following his disappearance.
The ongoing investigation focuses on the stolen vehicle, the circumstances of the crime, and the environment that allowed such young children access to driving a car. The municipal police and prosecutor are coordinating closely on this.
Meanwhile, the Juvenile Court, led by Luca Villa, and the Social Services are taking further action regarding the boys' living conditions and past criminal history. The court could remove the boys from their parents' care if they are deemed unable to provide for them.
The social services intervention includes emergency juvenile response teams working with the Milan City Council to provide protection and rehabilitation for the children involved. This includes assessing the boys' attendance at school and their living conditions at the Via Selvanesco campsite.
The case reflects strict protections in Italian law for very young offenders balanced with intensive social service intervention to prevent further harm or neglect. The mayor, Giuseppe Sala, has spoken to the children of Cecilia De Astis and has promised to see them.
Matteo Salvini, the leader of the League, has expressed concern over the situation and urged intervention from social services. He has also criticized the juvenile magistracy for not removing the boys from their parents' care earlier.
The funeral for Cecilia De Astis is scheduled for Thursday at 14:45 in the church of San Barnaba. Our thoughts are with her family during this difficult time.
- The average age of the minors involved in the tragic hit-and-run incident in Milan is 12 years old, highlighting a general-news concern about young offenders in the city's juvenile justice system.
- The ongoing investigation into the fatalhit-and-run accident in Milan will delve into the specific politics of Italian law regarding the treatment of juvenile offenders, particularly in cases where they are deemed incapable of understanding the gravity of their actions at such a young age.
