Judge To Ask Jury About Slaying Amid Philadelphia Mob Trial

PHILADELPHIA (Associated Press) — A judge plans to ask jurors about a suspected mob-linked slaying that took place Wednesday, just hours after prosecutors wrapped up a mob racketeering case.

Fifty-year-old victim Gino DiPietro has been mentioned in the two-month trial of alleged Philadelphia mob boss Joseph Ligambi and six others.

U.S. District Judge Eduardo Robreno will individually question jurors about the slaying when they return to court Tuesday.

Philadelphia police on Thursday night say they’ve charged convicted gambling figure Anthony Nicodemo of Philadelphia with first-degree murder.

The jury returns Tuesday, when the defense is set to start its case. Defense lawyers have not asked for a mistrial.

The Ligambi trial involves illegal gambling, loansharking and extortion charges. But defense lawyers stress that there’s no violence or bloodshed alleged in the 10-year investigation.