Mob Turncoat Put Hit on Himself

Mob turncoat put hit on himself

By; Patricia Hurtado

Michael DiLeonardo, a high ranking Gambino crime family member testified for the government of his son's refusal to join him in protective custody. DiLeonardo, a former capo, attempted to end his life after he had to testify against close friends, including John A. Gotti, son of John J. Gotti.

DiLeonardo was the star witness against Peter Gotti, who was on trial with the U.S. District court in Manhattan and was charged with running the Gambino crime family. Peter Gotti was also charged with conspiring to kill Sammy "the bull". As a result of his cooperation, DiLeonardo was disenfranchised and no longer a capo. According to DiLeonardo, "they broke my heart . . ." DiLeonardo had been born into the mob, with his grandfather being one of the city's first mobsters. DiLeonardo's own mafia career began when he was introduced into the family on Christmas Eve of 1988, along with John J. Gotti, who became a good friend.

After Peter Gotti falsely accused him of stealing, however, DiLeonardo decided to meet with prosecutors. In order to hide his cooperation, DiLeonardo was given a compassionate release, purportedly to visit his dying mother. Ten days into his furlong, DiLeonardo decided "[he] wanted to die a good soldier". With this in mind, he walked upstairs and said goodbye to his son.

DiLeonardo survived but later learned that John A. Gotti had summoned his son to see him in prison and informed DiLeonardo's son that he would be willing to forgive DiLeonardo. This was a turning point of DiLeonardo and he decided to continue his cooperation with the police.