On trial for murder, former Bonanno crime boss Vincent "Vinny Gorgeous" Basciano was labeled a "remorseless killer" bent on domination by federal prosecutors in closing arguments.
Basciano, 51, faces the death penalty on charges he ordered the 2004 hit on Randolph Pizzolo, a former mob associate who "disrespected" the family, Assistant Federal Prosecutor Stephen Frank said. Frank then played a jail recording of Basciano allegedly confessing to the crime.
"I'm a hoodlum, I'm a tough guy, I ain't sitting on my couch. Whatever happens, happens. Let's go," Basciano said on the tapes, the New York Daily News reported.
The jail tapes were recorded by Basciano's boss, Joseph Massino, the highest-ranking mobster ever to testify against one of his own. Prosecutors used them, along with the incriminating testimony of Basciano's former No. 2, Dominick Cicale, to paint a picture of a ruthless man who would stop at nothing to get power.
"Those are the words of a cold-blooded, remorseless killer," Frank said. "The words of a man that would let nothing stand in the way of his leadership of the Bonanno crime family."
Basciano is already serving a life sentence for a different case. Jurors will reportedly begin deliberating today.
Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.
Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.
