A SOLDIER EXECUTED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9711, 5 January 1895, Page 2 (Supplement)

A SOLDIER EXECUTED.

Here is an example of a military execution in Naples. Pietro Radice, a soldier, suffered the death penalty on the morning of Nov. 18th for having murdered his sergeant and some of his messmates. The sad duty was performed in a courtyard of the Castle of St Elmo, in the presence of military officials and representatives of the press. The prisoner made » full confession to a priest, and received tho last Sacrament. The execution is thus described by the Daily News correspondent:Pietro Radice is blindfolded, the priest gives him the last kiss and his blessing, and is about to retire, when the colonel calls out, " Remain at your post until the last moment! I will tell you when you can go away." The priest returns close to the prisoner. At this moment the men choHen to perform the execution come. up. It is 6.37 o'clock. They are commanded by a captain. They stand in double file, eight in front and four behind, and slowly advance, while the priest once more retires. ,At 6.40 the captain slightly lowers his sword, and at the same instant the court resounds with the fusillade. The prisoner's hat flies in the air; his body, bound by the arms to the chair, sinks to the left, and his brains are scattered on the ground, six of the eight balls having broken his skull, while one has struck his shoulders. The doctor reports instantaneous death. A soldier runs to cover the corpse wibh a white sheet, while the companies retire.