Naples, Italy – A 39-year-old man who attacked a lawyer on a bus earlier this month died by suicide Monday while hospitalized, according to reports from Italian news agencies.
Antonio Meglio was found dead in his hospital room after hanging himself with a sheet, ANSA reported. He had been under guard at the San Giovanni Bosco hospital.
The incident brings a somber end to a case that captivated the city. On March 5, Meglio allegedly stabbed a 32-year-old female lawyer while aboard a bus in the Vomero district of Naples. Virgilio News detailed the initial attack and subsequent arrest.
Following the assault, Meglio was initially detained after a tense standoff involving the bus driver and law enforcement, who prevented a potential vigilante attack, TGcom24 reported. A judge had validated his arrest and ordered him held in jail just days before his death.
Authorities say Meglio had a history of mental health issues and was receiving treatment from private psychiatrists. Reports indicate he had likewise exhibited self-harming behavior while in custody, leading to his transfer to the hospital. He allegedly attempted to cut his wrists and repeatedly banged his head against a wall.
According to ANSA, Meglio believed he had been the victim of a scam and may have been threatened, potentially explaining why he was armed during the bus attack. He had reportedly gathered evidence on a USB drive and attempted to file a police report, but was unsuccessful. Some reports suggest he may have been attempting to draw the attention of a specific prosecutor.
The case underscores the complex interplay between mental health, potential fraud and violent crime. An autopsy is scheduled to be performed.
