Two charged with 2003 Springfield murder

Two men were charged in mid-February with the 2003 murder of Springfield, MA, Mafia bigshot Adolfo "Big Al" Bruno (right), according to a story by Stephanie Barry of the Springfield Republican. A 13-count federal indictment accused Anthony J. "Bingy" Arillotta and Arthur "Short Guy" Nigro of participation in the murder plot. The indictment also contained other charges and defendants.

Arillotta, 41, is a resident of Springfield. Nigro, 65, of the Bronx, NY, is currently in prison, serving a five-year sentence for extortion.

According to authorities, Bruno controlled the region for the Genovese Crime Family until he was gunned down on Nov. 23, 2003, as he left a card game in Springfield. Frankie A Roche admitted to performing the murder in exchange for $10,000 offered by Arillotta enforcer Fotios "Freddy" Geas. Geas has been charged with murder and is scheduled to go on trial in March. Arillotta reportedly moved against Bruno with the approval of Mafia higher-ups after he argued that Bruno was working as an informant.

- Text of indictment

Canada adds conditions to Renda release

As 70-year-old Montreal Mafioso Paolo Renda was paroled in mid-February, authorities added conditions to his release, according to a story by Paul Cherry of the Montreal Gazette. Renda, who was jailed in October 2008 for possession of the proceeds of crime, will be closely watched due to the recent murder of his nephew and godson Nicolo "Nick" Rizzuto.

An official report states, "Unfortunate events took place on Dec. 28, 2009, during which your godson was killed, and Correctional Service of Canada fears reprisals on the part of Italian organized crime. A tighter framework is recommended to assure public safety."

Renda is married to the sister of reputed Montreal Mafia boss Vito Rizzuto, 63. The murdered Nick Rizzuto was Vito Rizzuto's son. Nick was shot to death in Notre Dame de Grace on Dec. 28. The killing is unsolved.