A shocking incident unfolded in Genoa, Italy, as a 63-year-old shipbuilder, Evaristo Scalco, has been sentenced to jail for fatally shooting a new father with a homemade bow and arrow after a dispute over noise. The tragic altercation began when Scalco was disturbed by the noise created by 41-year-old Alfredo Mirando Romero and a friend, who were celebrating the birth of Alfredo’s son at a nearby bar.

Enraged, Scalco confronted the duo from his window after observing one of them urinating on a wall. An exchange of insults occurred, leading to a brief departure by the two men. However, upon their return, another argument erupted. It was then that Scalco, believed to have crafted the bow using skills from his carpentry job, armed himself with an arrow.

In a horrifying turn of events, Scalco aimed the arrow at the pair, hurling racial slurs before firing. The arrow struck Alfredo, causing severe damage to his liver. Shocking footage presented in court captured Scalco going outside, callously remarking on the pain inflicted, and attempting to remove the arrow.

Alfredo, who had been celebrating the birth of his child, was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to complications during an emergency liver transplant. The arrow used was reported to have a specialised three-pointed head commonly used for hunting boar, and authorities discovered around thirty standard arrows at Scalco’s residence.

Scalco claimed self-defence, alleging that Alfredo and his friend had thrown firecrackers into his house, scaring him. Witnesses reported hearing firecrackers, and video evidence allegedly showed Scalco tossing back a burnt-out firecracker shell. Despite Scalco’s defence, prosecutors argued that he did not assist the victim or seek help until 11 minutes after the arrow was fired.

While Scalco’s lawyers contended that he did not intentionally kill and had no criminal record, the judges ruled that he had intended to harm Alfredo with the arrow. Scalco was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to 23 years in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to pay €100,000 (£85,960) in compensation to Alfredo’s widow and €150,000 (£128,940) to their child. The tragic incident serves as a chilling reminder of the consequences that can arise from a dispute spiralling out of control.