The shooting of Francesco “Frank” Cali was apparently the first mob boss killing since 1985.
A man has reportedly been arrested in connection with the killing of Francesco “Frank” Cali, the alleged leader of the notorious Gambino crime family.
Cali was gunned down outside his home in Staten Island, New York, Wednesday, cops said. The 53-year-old was shot six times in the chest before being run over by a blue pickup truck, according to police.
It was apparently the first mob boss killing since 1985.
On Saturday, the NYPD said a 24-year-old man was arrested in the case, NBC New York reported. He was reportedly picked up at a New Jersey home by U.S. Marshals. The man has not been identified.
NBC New York reported that sources say Cali's murder wasn't mob-related.
The NYPD is expected to provide more details in a Saturday afternoon press conference.
Wednesday’s slaying of Cali sent shock waves through the neighborhood, which is considered one of the most exclusive areas of Staten Island. One witness said the gangster was found on the ground face-up, his head by the open door of his SUV. He was rushed to Staten Island University Hospital North, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigators believe that the alleged gangster may have been lured out of his home after hearing someone hit his vehicle Wednesday night.
Tommy Hyland, a former NYPD detective who investigated the mafia, told Inside Edition this murder feels personal.
It's been 34 years since the gruesome assassination of then-crime boss “Big” Paul Castellano outside Manhattan's Sparks Steakhouse. That 1985 murder was ordered by the infamous John Gotti, aka the Dapper Don. He died in federal prison in 2002. Just months ago, Gotti's brother Gene was released from prison, where he served 29 years.
It was reported that mob bosses have been "living in fear" and many wondered whether the ruthless heir apparent would "demand that he resume his role or even insist on a higher rank."
There is no evidence of Gene's involvement in Wednesday's shooting. Investigators are still determining if Cali's killing was an ordered hit made by organized crime or a rogue shooter or shooters.
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