Genovese Mobster Indicted For Whacking Rat A reputed former boss of the Genovese crime family was indicted in Manhattan federal court today on charges of racketeering, including the murder of another former mobster. Arthur Nigro, also known as "short guy" and "little guy," is currently in jail for extortion charges, but could face the death penalty if he's found guilty in the death of Adolfo "Big Al" Bruno, who was shot in 2003. Previously, a Genovese family associate Frankie Rouche pleaded guilty to being the "triggerman" in the whacking, and claimed it was because Bruno was not "sending sufficient tribute payments to New York." But it was revealed in today's indictment that Bruno was actually in communication with investigators. We wonder if anyone will be getting any strongly worded letters about gonads over this.
Chimp Shooter Denied PTSD Claim
Almost a year after a 200-pound chimpanzee named Travis mauled Charla Nash, the cop that shot the violent creature has been denied a claim for workers comp for post-traumatic stress disorder. Why? Because the law was made for officers who shoot people, and doesn't extend to the rest of the animal kingdom, the AP reports. But for the anniversary of the chimp's death, a Connecticut state senator wants to amend it to include police who fire at animals, at least those "required to use deadly force on animals that attempt to injure them." (How about rabid raccoons?) Meanwhile Nash—who lost hands, lips, nose and eyelids when the animal attacked—is in the process of suing the state for $150 million.
Victim: Thief Stopped Mid-Sex to Rob Me!
A one night stand in Hell's Kitchen proved particularly unsatisfying when a thug stopped mid-coitus to rob his partner of a BlackBerry and $40. The two had just met and went back to the victim's place on 43rd Street near Ninth Avenue at 7:15 p.m., according to the Post's police blotter. They were going at it when all of a sudden the thief took out a knife, grabbed the 34-year-old victim's valuables and left. Before even finishing! Scant information on this one, unfortunately: no mention of the victim's gender or where the thief kept his knife (was he wearing a holster?). But then again, you might not want to reveal the juicy details to a cop either.
Study: The Bronx Is The Least Healthy Place In The State
The Bronx is the least healthy county in the state, according to a new study. By examining "health outcomes" including length of life and quality of life, as well as "health factors" like habits, environmental quality, social status, education, income, and access to care, researchers from the University of Wisconsin determined that the Bronx ranked at the bottom of the list, according to Bloomberg. NY1 reports that Bronx residents were found to have the state's highest rates of premature death and poor quality of life. Nassau County and Westchester County—which shares a border with the Bronx—reportedly topped the list. Last month, a study revealed that the Bronx has the nation's highest rate of hunger.