Fog in the Mountains Leads to Triple Fatal Shooting

Police say a wild-boar hunt in Sicily’s Nebrodi Mountains ended in a deadly three-way shooting triggered by apparent mistaken identity in heavy fog.

Officers discovered three bodies in the remote mountain area on Jan. 28, initially sparking speculation of a Mafia-style hit in a region long associated with organized crime. Early investigative theories also considered whether the deaths might have resulted from an accident or a murder-suicide following an argument.

Authorities have since identified the victims as hunters with no criminal records and now believe the violence began when 82-year-old Antonio Gatani fired at movement in the mist, apparently thinking he had spotted game. His shots instead struck 44-year-old Giuseppe Pino, killing him, and wounded Pino’s 25-year-old brother, Devis.

According to prosecutors’ working theory, the injured Devis Pino then shot and killed Gatani in retaliation. A fourth hunter, identified only as A.S., 48, and described as a close friend of Gatani, allegedly responded by shooting Devis Pino dead before fleeing the scene. He was arrested days later and is the only known survivor of the confrontation.

Prosecutor Angelo Cavallo said the suspect has so far refused to answer questions. “We hope that during the next questioning, he will provide us with a reconstruction of what happened,” Cavallo said.

Investigators are analyzing the hunters’ weapons, bullet trajectories, and footage from a camera mounted on Devis Pino’s rifle, which may have recorded the encounter in low light and dense fog.

While officials say the killings do not appear linked to organized crime, the Nebrodi area remains under scrutiny for Mafia-connected schemes, including alleged arson-for-profit operations and the diversion of millions of euros in European Union funds intended for a nearby national park.

The incident has renewed debate over recreational hunting safety. Observers have raised questions about how robust firearm-handling regulations are in forested hunting areas and whether additional safeguards are needed to prevent similar tragedies.

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