Reputed Canadian "godfather" Vito Rizzuto pleaded guilty in a New York court today to participating in the assassination of three Bonanno Crime Family capos back in 1981, according to an Associated Press story.
Rizzuto, 61, will serve 10 years in prison for racketeering under a plea deal with prosecutors.
When Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis demanded that Rizzuto describe the nature of his participation in the 1981 slayings, Rizzuto hesitated. After a conversation with his attorneys, he told the judge that his specific responsibility was to shout "It's a hold up!" so a gathering of mobsters would momentarily freeze. Rizzuto said his co-conspirators then opened fire on Dominick "Big Trin" Trinchera, Philip "Philly Lucky" Giaccone and Alphonse "Sonny Red" Indelicato.
The murders were reportedly done to eliminate a rebellious wing of the crime family. Joseph Massino, who rose to command the family and has been sentenced to life in prison for racketeering-murder, set up the hit.
See also: Rizzuto Timeline from Ottawa Citizen
Related MobNews posts:
- Attorney: Rizzuto won't flip 04-03-07
- Rizzuto, dozens more, arrested in Canada mob sweep 11-26-06
- No parole for Canada mob turncoat Simard 10-22-2006
- Canada's Musitanos up for parole today 10-04-2006
- Fugitive mobsters known to be in Toronto 09-22-2006
- Canada's 'godfather' deported 08-18-2006
- Thug-boxer deported from Canada 08-16-2006
- Canada court clears way for Rizzuto extradition 07-22-2006
- Few contenders for Toronto mob boss title 07-21-2006
- Rizzuto extradition decision due Friday 07-17-2006
