Alleged hitman details plot in Atlantic City
By Julia Terruso, The Philadelphia Inquirer | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
"We were going there to do a hit," Walker, 49, testified in the murder-for-hire trial of
Walker, a career criminal, answered questions Tuesday on the first day of the trial in
Walker nonchalantly recalled the night of
"From what I understand, he was having a problem with a guy, and he needed it taken care of," Walker said. "He wanted me to kill the guy, he wanted him dead, but he didn't want it to come back on him."
So desperate was Galati to get rid of Tuono, Walker testified, that Galati promised big payoffs and persistently gave the three hit men information about Tuono's whereabouts, instructing them to kill any witnesses -- save, of course, his daughter. Walker described ranting phone calls in which Galati repeatedly said he wanted Tuono dead.
Walker is one of three hit men who pleaded guilty to murder-for-hire related charges in the federal case. All three are expected to testify against Galati. If convicted in
It's one of three pending cases against Galati, 64. In
Defense attorney
"The government is going all in on words. There is not a shred of physical evidence that ties my client to this crime," said Voci, who is expected to argue that Tuono was targeted because of unpaid gambling and drug debts unrelated to Galati.
Assistant District Attorney
Walker had been out of jail 14 months when he was introduced to Galati at American Collision & Auto Center, near
Walker said the two initially had a falling out because Walker didn't agree to bury Tuono after killing him. He said Galati eventually gave in and agreed Walker could do the job without a burial.
Walker, and codefendants
Then on
As the couple were leaving the apartment in the 600 block of
"I said, 'Don't run.' He looked at me, and I said it again, 'Don't run. You know what this is about,' and he said, 'Oh, shit,' and went to run," Walker said. "I shot him."
Galati also faces unrelated murder-for-hire charges in
The murder-for-hire charges in
Galati has been described by law enforcement sources as a mob "hanger-on" or wannabe who has helped made members with jobs and money.
In court Tuesday, he wore a black toupee and white dress shirt, listening stoically to the testimony and occasionally taking a pump from his inhaler.
Galati's nephew, brother-in-law, a first cousin and his son's fiancee attended the hearing but declined to speak to the media.
The trial, before a jury of 12 women and two men, is expected to last at least two weeks.
856-779-3876 @juliaterruso
___
(c)2014 The Philadelphia Inquirer
Visit The Philadelphia Inquirer at www.philly.com
Distributed by MCT Information Services
Wordcount: | 802 |
Tues. Pa. boys: Haverford wins after long throw-in
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News