Gambino Crime Family Associate Charged With Murder
Anthony Pandrella, an associate of the Gambino crime family that organizes crime activities in NYC, was indicted for allegedly shooting his friend of many years, throwing out the evidence, and stealing from the deceased man.
On October 26, 2018, 59-year-old Pandrella from Brooklyn, met with his 78-year-old friend Vincent Zito in Zito’s home in Sheepshead Bay, the indictment says. Pandrella proceeded to shoot Zito in the back of his head. He then tried to clean up any evidence linking him to the murder, and later met with the victim’s family to learn the status of the police investigation.
Pandrella was busted after investigators found his DNA from the trigger of the weapon and he was seen going inside and out of Zito’s house at the time of the murder.
“An associate of the Gambino crime family allegedly shoots his friend in the back of the head, returns to the home to visit with the family and then thinks he can dispose of the evidence of the crime,” FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William Sweeney said. “It takes a certain type of evil to murder a friend in their own home, and then console the grieving relatives.”
Pandrella was charged on three counts: Hobbs Act Robbery, which is actual or attempted robbery or extortion affecting interstate or foreign commerce “in any way or degree,” unlawful use and possession of a firearm, and causing death through the use of a firearm.
“As charged in the indictment, Pandrella executed a 78-year-old man in his own home so he could steal from him,” United States Attorney Richard Donoghue said. “With today’s arrest, he will now face justice for these brutal crimes.”
Pandrella was arrested yesterday and if is convicted, he faces up to life in prison and is eligible for the death penalty.
“Stamping out organized crime and the violence that is associated with it,” NYPD Commissioner James O’Neill said, “remains a priority of the NYPD and its partners in law enforcement.”
