Possible Mob-Related Murder Will Not Interrupt Ongoing Racketeering Trial In Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A potentially mob-linked slaying in South Philadelphia will not interrupt an ongoing mob racketeering trial in the city's federal courthouse.
The trial has resumed Tuesday after the judge questioned jurors about media coverage of Gino DiPietro's slaying last week.
DiPietro's name has come up at the trial of alleged Philadelphia boss Joseph "Uncle Joe" Ligambi and six others.
A convicted gambling figure, Anthony Nicodemo, is charged with killing DiPietro on Wednesday, hours after prosecutors wrapped up two months of evidence.
U.S. District Judge Eduardo Robreno met with lawyers but did not mention the slaying in court Tuesday.
The defense has called its first witness, a New Jersey restaurant owner.
DiPietro, a convicted drug dealer, was gunned down outside his house in broad daylight. It's been nearly a decade since the last mob hit in Philadelphia.
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