Ciro Caliendo, a 48-year-old agricultural entrepreneur in Italy, was arrested for the premeditated murder of his wife, Lucia Salcone, 47. Authorities claim he created a deceptive scenario, pretending that a car accident caused her death. Caliendo is accused of striking his wife on the head with a blunt object before running his car into a tree, ultimately setting it on fire with her inside, thus attempting to conceal the crime.

The incident occurred on September 28, 2024, in San Severo when authorities responded to reports of a vehicle collision. They found the car engulfed in flames and Salcone deceased within it. Initial police investigations revealed contradictions in Caliendo's account of the events, raising suspicions about his involvement. As the police conducted further inquiries, autopsy results indicated foul play, contradicting Caliendo's assertion that it was merely an accident.

Caliendo, who is a notable figure in the agricultural community, serving as president of both the local farmers' association and a significant agritourism business, now faces serious charges. This case has drawn considerable attention due to its gruesome details and the apparent planning involved, highlighting issues surrounding domestic violence and the lengths some individuals may go to for personal gain, especially in cases of infidelity.