On February 11, 2024, a 54-year-old man named Giovanni Barreca called the carabinieri in Altavilla Milicia, asserting that his wife and children had been freed from demons and would rise again. This alarming statement comes as he is among the four defendants involved in a family massacre near Palermo, a crime that has shocked the local community. Barreca is noted for his peculiar behaviors, including a reported aversion to used furniture that he believed was haunted by demons, raising questions about his mental state.

The article highlights a recent court hearing where expert testimonies were presented, revealing critical insights into Barreca’s mental capacity. These insights are particularly relevant as they suggest that Barreca might have been incapable of understanding his actions during the tragedy, based on evaluations by court-appointed experts. This diagnosis has been corroborated by medical professionals from prison facilities, indicating a serious concern regarding his mental health in the context of the trial.

As the trial unfolds, the implications of Barreca's mental health on the case are significant. The defense is likely to leverage this information to argue for reduced culpability or a different outcome based on his mental incapacity. The community remains unsettled by the events, and the case serves as a somber reminder of the intersection between mental illness and violent crime, drawing attention to the need for a deeper understanding of such issues in society.