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Bonnano Crime Don Turned Snitch
By
Jen Chung
Published Feb 7, 2005
Modified Mar 7, 2008
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By
Jen Chung
Published Feb 7, 2005
Modified Mar 7, 2008
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Gothamist has been riveted by the recent shocking turn of events in the crime world: Bonnano family boss Joseph Massino (right), currently in prison, deciding to turn informant to the Feds and revealing that acting Bonnano don Vincent "Gorgeous Vinnie" Basciano murdered another associate, as well as wanted to kill a federal prosecutor. Massino was also the one who told the Feds about the bodies buried in the Queens. Because of this betrayal, Massino's own daughter and wife have disowned him, vowing never to support him. BURN! Gothamist figures that Massino's family had to distance themselves for their own safety - we've seen Married to the Mob. As a result of the informering, Basciano faces murder charges, while Massino now may escape the death penalty.
Understand the Bonanno Crime Gamily history, which started with a killing on East 12th Street, with Court TV's Crime Library. Goodfellas is another movie about a mobster-turned-informant who lived to tell the tale; however, when Tony found out Big Pussy and Adriana were ratting them out, he had them whacked.
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Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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