Aniello Prisco

Aniello Prisco ( – December 16, 1912) was an Italian-American gang leader and extortionist. Born in Naples, he immigrated to New York City and operated a Camorra gang, becoming involved in the Black Hand extortion racket, robbery, and murder. Despite his numerous arrests, he was never convicted of any crime. After entering a business belonging to crime boss Giosue Gallucci and demanding a payment of $100, he was shot to death by Gallucci's nephew, John Russomano. Russomano was arrested but released three days later after a jury decided he had acted in self-defense, as Prisco had been threatening Gallucci with a revolver.

Early life Aniello Prisco was born in Naples around 1880. At some point, he left the Kingdom of Italy and settled at 2133 First Avenue in the East Harlem section of New York. He received the nickname "Zopo the Gimp"

Criminal career Prisco operated a Camorra gang based mainly out of the nearby Brooklyn borough; frequently, there was conflict between him and crime boss Giosue Gallucci. retrieved a revolver and shot Prisco in the head, killing him. Policeman George L. Smith, who had been posted a block away, heard the shots and arrived at the scene first, finding Prisco dead. Gallucci and Morelles were both held as witnesses. Three days after Prisco's killing, Russomano was released after a jury decided that he had acted in self-defense.