A pizza chef was stabbed to death by a customer after he allegedly refused him a free meal.
The 43-year-old suspect is believed to have entered the pizzeria run by siblings Raffaele and Antonella Stipa asking for a free pizza.
Raffaele, whose age is variously reported as 60 or 67, reportedly refused, replying: “I’ve already given you three, enough now.”
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He is also said to have reminded the man that he still owed him €20 (£17).
The customer then allegedly stabbed him in front of other diners, also injuring Antonella, 52, as she tried to defend her brother.
One of the blows, believed to be fatal, reportedly struck Raffaele in the throat.
The attack unfolded at the Yoghi Pizzeria in Reggio Emilia, Italy, at around 10:30pm yesterday (29 June), as reported by Need To Know.
Raffaele died at the scene shortly after being stabbed, while Antonella was taken to hospital, where she remains in care.
Her condition is not believed to be life-threatening.
The attacker – an Italian man and regular customer who lives locally – was caught and arrested at around 2am after fleeing the scene on foot.
It is still unclear whether he found the weapon on the counter, which he reportedly climbed over to reach Raffaele, or whether he brought it with him.
Raffaele was originally from Capo d’Orlando in Sicily, but had lived in Reggio Emilia for some time and had co-run the pizzeria for over 20 years.
Locals described him as kind-hearted and always willing to help others, according to reports.
Police are investigating.
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