New Charges in Seven Mob Murders

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The New York Sun

A look at seven murders dating back to the 1970s outlined in a sweeping indictment filed by federal prosecutors against alleged members of the Gambino crime family.

— CHARLES CARNEGLIA

Five murders are linked to Carneglia, a reputed mafia soldier since the 1970s.

— March 11, 1976: A New York state court officer, Albert Gelb, is gunned down in Queens, days before he was to testify against Carneglia in a gun possession case. Previous attempts to prosecute Gambino associates for the killing, including Carneglia’s brother, failed.

— November 6, 1977: A Gambino associate, Michael Cotillo, is fatally stabbed at the Blue Fountain Diner in Queens following a fight with Carneglia.

— July 29, 1983: A Gambino associate, Salvatore Puma, is stabbed to death on a Queens street corner after arguing with Carneglia about money.

— October 4, 1990: A reputed Gambino member, Louis DiBono is shot to death in a parking garage at the World Trade Center. Gambino boss John Gotti and several underlings are later convicted of orchestrating the killing, which was related to DiBono’s contract to install fireproofing at the Trade Center. Carneglia is charged with involvement in the hit.

— December 14, 1990: Jose Delgado Rivera, a 57-year-old security guard, is shot in the back during an armored car heist at Kennedy International Airport. Two gunmen dressed as airline employees reportedly escape with $65,000. Prosecutors said Carneglia fired the fatal blast.

— NICHOLAS “LITTLE NICKY” COROZZO

Two murders are linked to Corozzo, a reputed Gambino captain.

— January 26, 1996: Mob assassins attack a car in Brooklyn, killing Robert Arena, said to be a low-level mafioso, and Thomas Maranga, who prosecutors said was a bystander. A previous suspect in the case, Michael Yannotti, was acquitted in 2005. Corozzo is charged with ordering the hit.


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