Organized Crime: Bloody Message

Bloody Message

The infamous Mafia code of omerta, or silence, has been taking a beating lately. Salvatore (Sammy the Bull) Gravano, a witness against Gambino crime boss John Gotti in a New York City courtroom, is only the latest mobster to testify on the misdeeds of his cronies in exchange for lenient treatment. Last week Mafia gunmen appeared to send a brutal message to all would-be squealers by shooting and gravely wounding the sister of federal informer Peter (Fat Pete) Chiodo.

Patricia Capozzalo, a 38-year-old mother of three, was shot in the back and neck by masked men in front of her Brooklyn...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!