Massimo Chesini’s family rejects claims a dispute over money was behind the shooting of his grandfather Pietro
The brother of Massimo Chesini, who shot his grandfather before taking his own life on Tuesday, says there were “tensions” within the family – but the tragedy was not about money.
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The family of gunman Massimo Chesini have broken their silence, close to a week after the teenager shot his grandfather before taking his own life.
Massimo, 19, shot his grandfather Pietro Chesini, 81, twice in the arm and leg on Liascos Ave at Newton about 4pm on Tuesday last week.
The teen’s body was found at the banks of the River Torrens, near Gorge Rd, with a self-inflicted gunshot wound about 9.30pm that same night.
The Chesini family released a statement on Monday that “vehemently denied” a dispute over money had led to the shooting.
“While the incident last Tuesday is obviously horrifying for all members of our family, the speculation that money was at the centre of it, is simply incorrect,” said Massimo’s elder brother, Jake.
“Massimo was a wonderful, highly intelligent and gifted young man who we all thought had a bright future, but sadly that is now not the case.”
“We miss him desperately and ask the media to allow the legal investigation and process to play out as it must, without unfounded speculation about the circumstances, and leave all our families to grieve in private.”
The statement revealed there were “tensions” involving Massimo’s father Saverio, who was estranged from Massimo’s grandparents and two uncles.
“My father was asked to leave the family business some seven years ago, but since then he has gone on to establish a very successful business in his own right,” Jake Chesini said.
The Advertiser revealed on Thursday that Massimo approached Pietro’s home with what was understood to be a shotgun. He asked for another person, understood to be another male, before shooting his grandfather.
Pietro was sent to the Royal Adelaide Hospital in a critical condition on Tuesday night, but was in a stable condition by late last week.
In a death notice printed by The Advertiser on Saturday, Massimo’s parents Saverio and Giovanna paid tribute to their son.
“You left our lives far too soon, the pain of losing you is unbearable,” it read.
“We find comfort in our beautiful memories, laughs and adventures we all shared together.
“Your kind, sweet, special spirit and cheeky smile will forever be in our hearts. We were blessed by a special angel, till we meet again our beautiful son. May you be at peace.”
Pietro owned Chesini House, a business he built from scratch after he and his wife Rita migrated to Adelaide in 1978 with their young family.
The family was originally from Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella, a small town on the outskirts of Verona, Italy, their business website says.
John and Luca Chesini, the two youngest sons of Pietro and Rita, now handle the day-to-day operation of the company, which makes stone benchtops.
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