The victim of a shooting at a rave in Switzerland has been identified as Maria Spinelli. The 22-year-old had secured employment as a waitress after relocating to Switzerland from Italy a year before and seemed to be a frequent attendee of parties and music events.
Shooting at Aarau rave
A shooter unleashed a hail of bullets on the crowd with an assault rifle at around 2.30am on Sunday (August 30) during the techno event in Aarau. Approximately 3,500 people were present at the rave and initially confused the sound of gunfire for fireworks while DJ Tekibo, a friend of Maria's, was on stage.
One bullet hit Maria and all efforts to save her proved futile, as reported by NeedToKnow. Four men and one woman, aged between 24 and 27, also sustained injuries. Two are Italian and their injuries are not thought to be severe.
Witness account and manhunt
Eyewitnesses claim that the assailant subsequently vanished into the woods. German police are aiding in the manhunt for the murderer, with the border roughly 40km away. Investigators are keeping all possibilities open, including terrorism.
A witness at Aarau Rave Vol. 7 stated that the music was slowly winding down and most attendees were making their way towards the exit when the gunfire erupted. He informed local media: "There were bangs. Most people thought they were firecrackers or fireworks – that's what they sounded like."
He and his mates didn't immediately grasp what was transpiring when everyone suddenly began to flee. During the chaos, a woman standing next to him was "shot in the chest and had probably also been grazed in the neck". Despite several bystanders attempting to revive her, "the woman died in front of our eyes," he said. "We wanted to help, but there was nothing we could do."
Tributes to Maria Spinelli
Maria hailed from the Roma community, was born in Atri and attended a hotel management school in Silvi Marina. Her mother – who is separated from Maria's father, Elvis – fell ill upon hearing the tragic news at their family home in Città Sant'Angelo.
Professor Federico Anzelotti, who taught Maria at the hotel management school, remembered her as a "lively and very intelligent girl". He added: "She was outgoing, she radiated a joy for life, had lots of friends and was passionate about techno music."
DJ Pencilmakesmusic, another performer at the event, posted online: "I'm heartbroken that we lost someone dear. I'll never ever forget that smile."
