Paolo Falzone: 'I never wanted to kill' as trial reveals social media video obsession led to fatal crash

In the Hainaut Assize Court, the trial of Paolo Falzone has revealed the harrowing details of a tragedy that could have been avoided. Falzone, facing charges for the murder of seven people and 81 attempted murders, confessed to driving into a procession of Gilles on March 20, 2022. His repeated claims of never intending to kill, punctuated by sobs, do little to soften the stark reality of his actions.

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I never wanted to kill. I never wanted this.

Falzone's account of his driving that night is chilling. Returning from a nightclub, he decided to create a social media video while behind the wheel. This wasn't a fleeting moment of distraction; it was a deliberate act of recklessness. He filmed himself driving one-handed, eyes fixed on his phone and speedometer, at speeds reaching up to 174 km/h on a public road.

The prosecution presented evidence of his car being modified for high speeds and his deliberate switch to 'Sport' mode for the recording. He even adjusted lighting and chose music for the video, all while his attention was diverted from the road. The prosecution highlighted that he was fully accelerating just seconds before impact, indicating a complete lack of awareness of his surroundings.

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This video was to impress my followers.

This case, as reported by La Libre Belgique, underscores a disturbing trend of social media obsession overriding basic safety and responsibility. While Falzone expresses remorse, the court must grapple with the devastating consequences of his actions. The focus remains on the victims and the pursuit of justice for a tragedy born from a desire to impress online followers.

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I only had eyes for the phone and the car's speedometer.