A meticulously planned murder rampage unfolded Saturday in Ischia, carried out by 69-year-old Antonio Luongo, a retired waste collection worker from Pomigliano d’Arco. His target was his 42-year-old Ukrainian ex-wife, Lyudmyla Velykgolova, the sole survivor now fighting for life at Naples’ Cardarelli Hospital after emergency surgery and air ambulance transfer.
Luongo killed his ex-wife’s partner, 49-year-old Neapolitan laborer Nunzio Russo Spena, and her 62-year-old Ukrainian mother, Zinoviya Knihnitska, an Ischia resident, before taking his own life. Aware his ex-wife and Russo Spena were vacationing on the island with Knihnitska, Luongo rented a car upon disembarking in Casamicciola and drove to the Cuotto area in Forio.
Spotted by the women Saturday morning, Luongo fled when Carabinieri arrived following their alert. His ex-wife subsequently filed a formal complaint for intimidation. Authorities confirm no prior reports of abuse or harassment existed against Luongo. He waited until evening to strike.
Around 6:30 PM near Via Provinciale Panza, Luongo ambushed the victims as they left home. Using an illegally held Beretta pistol with its serial number filed off, he first shot Knihnitska and Russo Spena multiple times outside a shuttered hotel undergoing renovations. He then pursued Lyudmyla down an alley as she fled towards relatives’ homes, firing six shots at her before turning the gun on himself.
Luongo died en route to Ischia’s hospital. Lyudmyla underwent extensive surgery locally before her critical transfer to Cardarelli, where she remains under guarded prognosis. Despite the Cuotto area being crowded with Italian and foreign tourists near bars, restaurants, and hotels, no bystanders were injured, though many heard gunfire and sought cover.
Forio’s high district saw prolonged road closures as authorities secured the scene and awaited permission to remove the bodies. The unprecedented tragedy has stunned the island community. Forio’s mayor, Stani Verde, announced the cancellation of all municipal events, stating: “Our community is deeply shaken by this tragedy that claimed two innocent lives in horrific circumstances. While they weren’t Forio residents, their ties here were strong. Once again, we face a femicide and double murder stemming from dynamics utterly divorced from love. Our entire community stands with the victims’ families. We consistently promote respect, dignity, and the protection of human life.”