The Question Arises: Will Nicodemo Testify

Nicodemo

According to Big Trial | Philadelphia Trial Blog "Assistant District Attorney Brian Zarallo could wrap up his case tomorrow. Court does not meet on Friday. That would set the stage for what might be the biggest decision in [Anthony] Nicodemo's life. Does he take the stand in his own defense?

"A gag ordered imposed by Judge Jeffrey Minehart bars Zarallo and defense attorney Brian McMonagle from commenting about the proceedings. Several sources, however, say that McMonagle has not decided if he will put his client on the stand when the defense portion of the trial begins sometime next week.

"The case against Nicodemo is entirely circumstantial but the evidence linking him to the crime is difficult to ignore or explain away...."



A commenter pointed our attention to the fact that the comments section had been shut off over at Big Trial. We took a peek; sure enough, we read:

Please note: Because past stories about organized crime have sparked vile personal postings from a few readers, the comment section on this blog site has been blocked.

As noted earlier, Zarallo told the jury that the evidence would show that Gino DiPietro, 50, was "executed in the street" and that Nicodemo's job was to drive him and toss the gun. Nicodemo was involved in a "conspiracy to assassinate" DiPietro, and that as the driver, he was just as guilty as the shooter.

What has not been offered is a motive for the slaying; juries tend to want motives. Still, it is difficult to see how they could ignore the obvious evidence (the gun used in the murder was found in Nicodemo's car, and an incriminating burn phone was located in the house).

Zarallo said the evidence would be sufficient to find Nicodemo guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. He faces 30 years to life if convicted of the first degree murder charge. He is also facing conspiracy and weapons charges.

Previously Anastasia has written on Philadelphia Trial Blog that Nicodemo has been identified by New Jersey authorities as a suspect in the 2003 murder of mobster John "Johnny Gongs" Casasanto, one of three unsolved murders that occurred during Ligambi's reign.

Further, law enforcement sources have indicated that Nicodemo could work a deal by giving up what he knows about the Casasanto murder and other acts of violence that authorities believe are linked to mob boss Joseph "Uncle Joe" Ligambi and his top associates.

Anastasia also wrote: "One underworld source predicted that Nicodemo would take his chances by going to trial for the DiPietro slaying, but would cut a deal if he were convicted.

"If he blows trial, he'll start talking," the source said.