A 27-year-old Cuban national has been detained on the outskirts of Milan, accused of attempted murder after allegedly stabbing a 13-year-old Egyptian boy in broad daylight. This shocking incident has left the Lombard capital in disbelief. The attack took place on Friday, May 16, shortly before 3:00 p.m., at the bustling Viale Vittorio Veneto.
Local media outlets, La Milano and L’Unione Sarda, reported that the assault occurred during a drug deal gone awry involving three teenagers and the Cuban suspect.
The Capture of the Primary Suspect
Authorities apprehended the Cuban, identified as the main suspect, hours later in Pozzuolo Martesana, a peripheral area of Milan. He had a cut on his right hand, consistent with the assault. The Carabinieri recovered the weapon used in the attack, a knife with a 20-centimeter blade, which was hidden in a nearby field along Via Aldo Merigli. The man also surrendered the clothes he was wearing at the time, according to La Milano.
Currently, the suspect is held in San Vittore prison and faces charges of attempted murder. Investigations continue into his possible involvement in drug trafficking in the area.
The Hospital Drama and the Rescuer's Role
Following the attack, a 19-year-old Italian of Egyptian descent, residing in Peschiera Borromeo, transported the injured boy to the Fatebenefratelli hospital in his vehicle, a gray Volkswagen Golf showing signs of collision and a flat tire.
The boy, suffering from a severe side wound affecting a lung, stumbled out of the car before collapsing unconscious at the hospital entrance. His dog also exited the vehicle but collapsed a few meters away, later dying at a veterinary clinic.
The young driver initially claimed not to know the boy and said he found him injured on the street. However, he later changed his account. The Carabinieri discovered a telescopic baton, a knife sheath, a blood-stained shoe, and brass knuckles near the car, casting doubt on his initial story.
Eventually, the driver admitted he knew the boy and that they, along with an unidentified third teenager, had gone to the location to buy drugs. A dispute during the negotiation with the alleged seller led to the boy being stabbed and the dog being attacked.
Ongoing Investigation and Unanswered Questions
Italian police are diligently working to uncover all facts of the case. Surveillance footage from Porta Venezia and Viale Vittorio Veneto is being reviewed to identify the third youth involved and accurately reconstruct the attack.
Meanwhile, the victim remains in intensive care but is no longer in critical condition. This tragic event has sparked a citywide debate in Milan about the involvement of minors in criminal activities, access to drugs, and the rising violence affecting youth and adolescents.
"The fact that a 13-year-old found himself in such a perilous situation, armed only with his dog's companionship, has stunned the entire city," noted La Milano in its coverage.
Key Questions on the Violent Attack in Milan
Who is the main suspect in the attack?
The main suspect is a 27-year-old Cuban national who has been arrested and charged with attempted murder.
What led to the attack on the 13-year-old boy?
The attack occurred during a failed drug transaction involving the boy, two other teenagers, and the suspect.
What is the current condition of the victim?
The victim is in intensive care but has been reported to be out of immediate danger.