Convict in Nightclub Tragedy Flees After Graduation

A man convicted in connection to a deadly nightclub incident has vanished after being granted permission to attend his graduation ceremony. The escape raises questions about the oversight of prisoners attending outside events.

Fugitive Status

Andrea Cavallari, 26, who was serving an 11-year, 10-month sentence for his role in the Corinaldo disco massacre, has been missing since Thursday, according to the Corriere di Bologna. He had been allowed to leave prison to attend his graduation at the University of Bologna.

Deadly Night at Lanterna Azzurra

The case stems from a tragic event on December 8, 2018, at the Lanterna Azzurra disco in Corinaldo, near Ancona. Six people died during a robbery attempt involving pepper spray. Cavallari, originally from the Modenese Bassa area, was serving his sentence at the Dozza prison. While incarcerated, he pursued a law degree at the University of Bologna.

The surveillance magistrate permitted Cavallari to attend his thesis defense, accompanied by family members and without a police escort. However, after the ceremony, he disappeared. In August 2019, the Carabinieri of Ancona arrested Cavallari and other gang members. They faced charges including multiple counts of pre-intentional murder, theft, robbery, and causing personal injury for allegedly using pepper spray to rob concertgoers at a Sfera Ebbasta concert.

Escapes During Release Programs

This incident highlights risks associated with prisoner release programs. A 2023 study by the Prison Policy Initiative found that approximately 1 in 50 adults in the United States are under community supervision, underscoring the scale and potential challenges of managing such programs.