Lawyer: Man accused in mob boss killing is 'optimistic'

Anthony Comello, 24, appears in court in Staten Island, N.Y., for a hearing on Wednesday, April 24, 2019. Comello has pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges in the March 13 killing of reputed Gambino boss Francesco "Franky Boy" Cali. (Shira Stoll/Staten Island Advance via AP, Pool)

The lawyer for a man accused of killing the reputed boss of New York's Gambino crime family says his client is "very optimistic" and "very upbeat."

The Staten Island Advance says attorney Robert Gottlieb made the comments on Wednesday after Anthony Comello was arraigned on indictment charges of murder and weapon possession in the death of Francesco "Franky Boy" Cali.

Prosecutors said they will turn over Comello's computer and cellphone data to the defense, along with video.

Authorities have said the March 13 killing may have been related to a romantic dispute, not mob business.

The defendant, who has pleaded not guilty, was returned to New York after being arrested in New Jersey.

Gottlieb said he will make a bail application at Comello's next court date on May 9.

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Information from: Staten Island Advance, http://www.silive.com