Maybe he did kill Fredo with the rifle butt (in case of an eventual autopsy), and the shot was discharged accidentally -- or as a distraction.
If I'm not mistaken, the film depicts the image of Neri raising a pistol to the back of Fredo's head, in silhouette. It's clear that Fredo was shot to death - and deliberately.
~ Q
Last edited by Questadt; 12/20/1410:19 PM.
"A lawyer with his briefcase can steal more than a hundred men with guns."