A meticulously planned murder spree unfolded on the Italian island of Ischia Saturday, orchestrated by 69-year-old retired waste collector Antonio Luongo. Luongo traveled from Pomigliano d’Arco intending to kill his ex-wife, 42-year-old Ukrainian Lyudmyla Velykgolova—the attack’s sole survivor, now in critical condition at Naples’ Cardarelli Hospital after emergency surgery and airlift transfer.
Luongo first murdered his ex-wife’s partner, 49-year-old Neapolitan laborer Nunzio Russo Spena, and her 62-year-old Ukrainian mother Zinoviya Knihnitska, before committing suicide. Aware his ex-wife and Russo Spena were vacationing with Knihnitska in Ischia, Luongo rented a car upon arriving at Casamicciola and drove to the Cuotto district in Forio. Spotted by the women Saturday morning, he fled when Carabinieri responded to their alert. Velykgolova later filed a formal complaint against Luongo, though authorities confirm no prior reports of abuse existed.
The assailant waited until evening to execute his plan. Around 6:30 PM, he positioned himself on Via Provinciale Panza and opened fire as the victims exited their residence. Knihnitska and Russo Spena were shot first near the entrance of a shuttered hotel under renovation. Luongo used an illegal Beretta pistol with its serial number filed off. He then pursued Velykgolova down an alley as she fled toward relatives’ homes, firing six rounds that left her severely wounded before turning the gun on himself.
Luongo died en route to Ischia Hospital, where his ex-wife was initially treated. She underwent extensive surgery before transfer to Naples. The Cuotto area, densely packed with tourists, residences, and hospitality venues, witnessed panic as bystanders took cover during the shootings. No civilians were injured.
Roads in upper Forio remained blocked for hours as police secured the scene and awaited coroner authorization. The killings have devastated Ischia, where such large-scale violence is unprecedented. Forio’s municipal events were canceled, with Mayor Stani Verde lamenting: “Our community is deeply shaken by this tragedy that claimed two innocent lives in horrific circumstances. This femicide and double murder stem from dynamics utterly divorced from love. We stand with the victims’ families and reaffirm our commitment to human dignity and life.”