• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • News

The murder of reputed Gambino mob boss, Francesco 'Franky Boy' Cali, was no quick hit: Sources

2:07
New clues in murder of alleged crime boss of Gambino family
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
ByAaron Katersky and Christina Carrega
March 15, 2019, 8:18 PM

Moments before a reputed mob boss was gunned down in front of his Staten Island, New York, home on Wednesday night, the alleged killer lured the unsuspecting man outside by crashing into his parked car, multiple police sources told ABC News.

The unidentified hit man drove to Francesco "Franky Boy" Cali's Todt Hill house and came to a stop.

Related Articles

(MORE: Reputed Gambino crime family boss Francesco 'Franky Boy' Cali shot to death outside his home, probed as possible revival of 'mob war': Source)

Law enforcement sources told ABC News that the driver put his vehicle in reverse and crashed into Cali's parked Cadillac SUV — forcing the license plate to fall off Cali's car.

New York City Police officers investigate the scene where reported New York Mafia Gambino family crime boss Francesco "Franky Boy" Cali was killed outside his home in the Staten Island borough of New York, March 14, 2019.
Brendan McDermid/Reuters

Once Cali came outside the home, sources said, video surveillance showed the two men talking and then shaking hands.

Sources said Cali, 53, appeared unaware of impending danger because he turned his back on his killer to put the license plate inside the rear of the SUV.

Related Articles

(MORE: A look into 'Franky Boy' Cali — the alleged mob boss assassinated in New York)

New York City Police officers investigate the scene where reported New York Mafia Gambino family crime boss Francesco "Franky Boy" Cali was killed outside his home in the Staten Island borough of New York, March 14, 2019.
Brendan McDermid/Reuters

That’s when the gunman pulled out a 9mm pistol, held it with two hands —- as if he was trained, the sources said — and opened fire. The video is grainy and has not been released because the suspect’s face cannot be made out, sources told ABC News. Investigators are continuing to canvass the neighborhood in search of clearer video.

Twelve shots were fired and Cali was hit six times, New York Police Department (NYPD) Chief of Detectives Dermot Shea said at a news conference on Thursday.

Cali, was taken to Staten Island University North hospital and was pronounced dead less than 40 minutes later, police said.

ABC News' Josh Margolin and Mark Crudele also contributed to this report.

Up Next in News—

Student dies after tree falls on playground at Massachusetts school

May 5, 2026

American speaks out from cruise ship amid deadly hantavirus outbreak

May 5, 2026

United Airlines plane hits bakery truck during landing

May 4, 2026

Gas prices are up across the country. Here's where you'll find the most expensive -- and cheapest -- gas

May 2, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News