Former Gucci Heir's Killer Arrested for Allegedly Shooting His Own Son

In a shocking incident reminiscent of his notorious past, Benedetto Ceraulo, who previously murdered Gucci heir Maurizio Gucci in 1995, was arrested for allegedly shooting his son Gaetano in a fit of rage over a minor car scratch. The incident has left the small town of Santa Maria a Monte in shock as both individuals are hospitalized, and Ceraulo, in critical condition, faces charges of attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm.

Benedetto Ceraulo, infamous for his role in the murder of Maurizio Gucci, the renowned heir to the Gucci fashion empire, was apprehended on suspicion of shooting his own son, Gaetano, in the Italian province of Pisa. This shocking event unfolded on Tuesday and has left the local community of Santa Maria a Monte, located about 20 miles east of Pisa, stunned.

According to local authorities, the confrontation began over a seemingly trivial matter—a scratch on Ceraulo's vehicle. The situation escalated dramatically when Ceraulo allegedly shot Gaetano with a small caliber handgun before turning the weapon on himself in a failed suicide attempt. Both father and son were hospitalized, with Ceraulo in serious condition and under police guard, while Gaetano is said to be stable.

Ceraulo's violent outburst comes nearly three decades after he was convicted of murdering Maurizio Gucci in 1995—a crime ordered by his then-wife, Patrizia Reggiani. Ceraulo was sentenced to life in prison and only recently regained his freedom. The murder of Gucci, who was shot four times outside his Milan office, was a high-profile case that garnered international attention and inspired the 2021 film *House of Gucci*.

Local officials, including the mayor of Santa Maria a Monte, expressed their disbelief at the events, stating that such violence is unheard of in their town, where many were unaware that Ceraulo had been residing. The community's sense of security has been shattered as investigations continue into the motives behind this latest act of violence.

As Ceraulo faces new legal challenges stemming from this incident, the echoes of his notorious past linger, showing how unresolved issues can lead to tragic consequences even decades later.