Accused Mob Boss Killer Has a Message in Court

For a man accused of gunning down a mob boss, Anthony Comello doesn't seem much interested in keeping a low profile. During a court hearing Monday in New Jersey, the 24-year-old made a point to flash an open palm at reporters, and that palm was covered in hand-written messages, reports NJ.com. Some were illegible, but the AP deciphered apparent nods to President Trump: "MAGA Forever," "United We Stand MAGA," and "Patriots In Charge." Comello also drew a circle in the center of his palm, its meaning unclear.

Why the messages? His lawyer gave no explanation. Asked what Comello had on his hand, attorney Brian Neary said only, "Handcuffs." Comello is accused of killing reputed Gambino crime boss Francesco "Franky Boy" Cali last week in Staten Island, but the best guess at the moment is that the shooting in front of Cali's home had nothing to do with the mafia. Preliminary evidence suggests Comello was ticked that Cali wouldn't let him see a woman in Cali's family. Comello is now headed back to New York City to face trial. (More Mafia stories.)