Suspect in Gambino mob boss slaying faces murder charge in N.Y.

NEW YORK (WPIX) -- The suspect in the slaying of a Gambino mob boss faces murder charges, the NYPD announced Monday.

Anthony Comello appeared in court in New York City Monday morning on charges of murder, assault and criminal possession of a weapon, after investigators said the 24-year-old confronted and killed reputed Gambino crime family mob boss, Francesco “Frank” Cali.

Comello was expected to be brought in under tighter-than-usual security measures because of the mob's bloody track record for vengeance, the Associated Press reports.

Authorities said Comello lured Cali out of his house on the evening of March 13 by smashing his truck into Cali's parked car. After speaking calmly for a few moments, Comello allegedly drew a 9 mm handgun and pumped several bullets into Cali's body in a scene captured by security cameras at the home.

Comello's background is more obscure, but there has been no allegation he is connected to the mob. The motive for the shooting remains under investigation. News reports have said Comello told investigators that Cali had warned him to stay away from a female relative of Cali's that he was interested in romantically.