There was a startling development Tuesday in the big mob trial under way in Center City.
A FOX 29 undercover tape subpoenaed by federal authorities and played in court sparked the disclosure of a threat to kill well-known Philadelphia disc jockey Jerry Blavat.
The video, which has been aired on FOX 29 many times, shows purported mob boss Joe Ligambi arguing with government witness Lou "Bent Finger" Monacello on the front porch of "The Uncle" Ligambi's South Philly home.
In court on Tuesday, Monacello told the jury in Ligambi's racketeering trial that the tape captured the two men discussing a threat to kill Blavat. Ligambi apparently blamed the DJ, who goes by the nickname of "the Geator with the Heater," for a less-than-flattering story about Ligambi in Philadelphia Magazine.
Ligambi and six others are on trial for racketeering and gambling. Monacello is the government's key witness in the case.
Monday, December 10 2012 10:59 AM EST2012-12-10 15:59:51 GMT
Philadelphia mob boss Joey Merlino's move to South Florida has created some waves in organized crime circles just north of Miami, where he now lives.In Monday night's Mob Talk, FOX 29's Dave Schratwieser
Philadelphia mob boss Joey Merlino's move to South Florida has created some waves in organized crime circles just north of Miami, where he now lives.In Monday night's Mob Talk, FOX 29's Dave Schratwieser
Tuesday, September 25 2012 10:47 AM EDT2012-09-25 14:47:43 GMT
Alleged local wise guys are heading to trial, and that will expose undercover FBI recordings. FOX 29's Dave Schratwieser and the Inquirer's George Anastasia have the tale of the tapes.
Alleged local wise guys are heading to trial, and that will expose undercover FBI recordings. FOX 29's Dave Schratwieser and the Inquirer's George Anastasia have the tale of the tapes.
Monday, September 17 2012 10:40 PM EDT2012-09-18 02:40:52 GMT
Mob boss Joe Ligambi and 14 others face federal racketeering charges in a case loaded with secret FBI tapes, government informants and tales from inside the local organized crime family.
Mob boss Joe Ligambi and 14 others face federal racketeering charges in a case loaded with secret FBI tapes, government informants and tales from inside the local organized crime family.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:01 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:01:25 GMT
Police sources say the two incidents now under investigation took place at Houston Hall, a student center and lecture hall, on Spruce Street in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania campus.
Police sources say the two incidents now under investigation took place at Houston Hall, a student center and lecture hall, on Spruce Street in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania campus.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:26 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:26:23 GMT
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries.
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries here and make their getaway.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 7:13 PM EDT2013-05-15 23:13:23 GMT
These Crime Scene Investigators have processed thousands of gruesome crime scenes over their careers, but what they saw inside Doctor Kermit Gosnell's abortion clinic back in 2010 was a nightmare.
These Crime Scene Investigators have processed thousands of gruesome crime scenes over their careers, but what they saw inside Doctor Kermit Gosnell's abortion clinic back in 2010 was a nightmare.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 4:54 PM EDT2013-05-15 20:54:35 GMT
"Kermit Gosnell at some point became a monster." District Attorney Seth Williams shot straight from the hip as he spoke for the first time since abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell was found guilty this
"Kermit Gosnell at some point became a monster." District Attorney Seth Williams shot straight from the hip as he spoke for the first time since abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell was found guilty this
Monday, May 13 2013 7:02 PM EDT2013-05-13 23:02:49 GMT
She wanted to spend Mother's Day with her children and new granddaughter. Instead, she spent it at a hospital and on the couch after she says she was attacked near the Frankford Transportation Center.
She wanted to spend Mother's Day with her children and new granddaughter. Instead, she spent it at a hospital and on the couch after she says she was attacked near the Frankford Transportation Center.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:49 PM EDT2013-05-22 03:49:33 GMT
You'll never believe who is dancing circles around these people. Meet the Allentown-area lady with the fancy footwork that leaves her disciples breathless!
You'll never believe who is dancing circles around these people. Meet the Allentown-area lady with the fancy footwork that leaves her disciples breathless!
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:13 PM EDT2013-05-22 03:13:58 GMT
Helmeted rescue workers raced Tuesday to complete the search for survivors and the dead in the Oklahoma City suburb where a mammoth tornado destroyed countless homes, cleared lots and claimed 24 lives.
Helmeted rescue workers raced Tuesday to complete the search for survivors and the dead in the Oklahoma City suburb where a mammoth tornado destroyed countless homes, cleared lots and claimed 24 lives.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:04 PM EDT2013-05-22 03:04:07 GMT
Bucks County EMT Bryan Elwell is heading out to Oklahoma to help assist overwhelmed emergency responders dealing with the deadly tornado aftermath in Moore, just outside Oklahoma City. He's prepared
Two local EMTs are headed to Oklahoma to help victims and crews dealing with the aftermath of a deadly tornado.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:08 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:08:36 GMT
Police in Lancaster say they've detained two men in an investigation prompted by a woman's call to 911 from the trunk of a car to report that she had been abducted by strangers.
Police in Lancaster say they've detained two men in an investigation prompted by a woman's call to 911 from the trunk of a car to report that she had been abducted by strangers.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:59 PM EDT2013-05-21 23:59:26 GMT
A man was critically injured Tuesday in New Castle by an explosion that happened while he opened an antique army ammunition box he picked up from his neighbors trash.
A man was critically injured Tuesday in New Castle by an explosion that happened while he opened an antique army ammunition box he picked up from his neighbors trash.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:01 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:01:25 GMT
Police sources say the two incidents now under investigation took place at Houston Hall, a student center and lecture hall, on Spruce Street in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania campus.
Police sources say the two incidents now under investigation took place at Houston Hall, a student center and lecture hall, on Spruce Street in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania campus.
WTXF-TV 330 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19106-2796
