FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A South Florida jury has begun deliberating whether to recommend life in prison without parole or the death penalty for Anthony "Big Tony" Moscatiello in the mob-connected 2001 slaying of a prominent businessman.
Jurors began discussing the possible penalty Thursday after hearing closing arguments. The jury's recommendation goes to Broward County Circuit Judge Ilona Holmes, who will make the final sentencing decision.
The 76-year-old Moscatiello was convicted in July of murder and murder conspiracy in the killing of Konstantinos "Gus" Boulis during a dispute over a fleet of lucrative gambling ships. Trial evidence showed Boulis was shot by a hit man hired by Moscatiello, a reputed member of New York's Gambino crime family.
Co-defendant Anthony "Little Tony" Ferrari was previously convicted and is serving a life sentence.
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