Suspected 'Vatican Sniper' Surrenders to Italian Police

An Italian man, who allegedly shot random women with an air rifle "just for fun," has surrendered to police in Rome. The shooter had been a source of concern for residents in the Prati neighborhood, an affluent area near the Vatican City.

One of the most serious incidents involved a female Italian journalist who required surgery after being shot in the arm. Cristina Stillitano reported that the air rifle pellet struck her with considerable force near her shoulder. The pellet was surgically removed at a hospital. In another instance, an accountant stated she was shot in the calf while walking home from the gym.

Edoardo Ciardiello Crescimanno, 50, turned himself in to Italian authorities on Wednesday with his lawyer. He reportedly learned that police were closing in after they traced an air rifle purchased earlier this month to him. Investigators had also been analyzing the trajectory of the pellets, which led them to his apartment window.

Crescimanno told local media that he targeted women randomly without any connection to his victims, describing his actions as "just for fun." He is believed to be responsible for at least six separate attacks in recent days. Police investigating the case have discovered pellet marks on windows and shutters in the Prati district. Crescimanno now faces a charge of aggravated bodily harm.