The attorney for a man charged with murder in the death of a high-profile Mafia boss is seeking a defense of insanity, citing his client’s obsession with conspiracy theories.
Anthony Comello, 25, was obsessed with President Trump and conspiracy group “QAnon” when he arrived at the Staten Island home of Gambino crime family boss Francesco “Franky Boy” Cali in March. He believed that Cali was an agent of the “deep state,” under the control of the Central Intelligence Agency, and was actively trying to dismantle the Trump presidency. Comello’s intent was to place Cali under citizen’s arrest, but he shot and killed the mafioso when he refused to go with him.
Comello, who lived with his parents at the time, informed police he was being watched by the government and carried his cellphone in a copper bag so he couldn’t be traced. Comello was also seen in court with QAnon conspiracy symbols scrawled on the palm of his hand.
“He ardently believed that Francesco Cali, a boss in the Gambino crime family, was a prominent member of the deep state, and, accordingly, an appropriate target for a citizen’s arrest,” attorney for Comello Robert C. Gottlieb said. “Mr. Comello’s support for ‘QAnon’ went beyond mere participation in a radical political organization. It evolved into a delusional obsession.”
Prosecutors maintain that Comello is fit to stand trial and does not exhibit behavior consistent with an insanity defense. “If you watch the defendant while he comes into the room — his physical condition, his mannerisms — he waits when he is talked to and spoken to, he responds normally,” lead prosecutor Wanda DeOliveira said. “He’s reacting fine.”
Comello has also dismissed the notion that he is insane, refusing to submit to a psychiatric evaluation on Wednesday. Asked by the judge if he realized that his refusal could jeopardize an insanity plea, Comello said he was “perfectly fine with that.”
