Gambino crime family boss Peter Gotti, the successor and older brother to John “Dapper Don” Gotti, died in prison Thursday after losing two bids for early release, his lawyer confirmed. He was 81.
The former sanitation worker-turned-mob boss was convicted in 2004 of racketeering conspiracy, including charges of placing a $70,000 contract on the head of Gambino family mobster, turned police informant, Sammy “The Bull) Gravano, whose testimony helped convict John Gotti.
John Gotti also died behind bars as well, in June 2002.
“I had a call (Thursday) morning that he died. That’s all I know. I liked him … may he rest in peace,” said attorney James Craven III.
Peter Gotti spent his final two months in the FMC-Butner in North Carolina after a Manhattan federal judge rejected his compassionate release application. According to court papers, Gotti was suffering from heart problems, dementia, blindness and cancer.
Manhattan Federal Judge Colleen McMahon refused the elderly mobster’s most recent appeal for early release in a December finding noting that “Gotti headed one of the most vicious and violent organized crime organizations in New York for a number of years.”
More Stories
Montreal police officer acquitted of sexual assault charge
Racist knocked out by Asian
Prison guard charged with two counts of sexual assault