Murder at the Drive Thru: Bonanno Family Mobster Shot in the Head While Getting Coffee at McDonald’s
Early Life
Sylvester Zottola, often known as “Sally Daz,” was born in 1947 in New York City. He grew up in the Bronx, an area with a rich history of organized crime. Details about his early life remain scarce, but Zottola became known for his involvement in the business and real estate sectors.
Business Ventures
Zottola owned several businesses, including residential and commercial properties in the Bronx. He was known for his dealings in the construction industry and vending machine businesses. His real estate investments were substantial, and he maintained a significant presence in the local business community.
Alleged Criminal Activities
Sylvester Zottola was widely reported to have ties to the Bonanno crime family, one of New York’s notorious Five Families. His connections to the Mafia, however, were never formally adjudicated in a court of law. He was known to have worked closely with key figures within the organization and was believed to have participated in various illicit activities associated with the Mafia.
Attempted Murders and Death
In 2018, Zottola survived several assassination attempts. On June 12, 2018, he was shot multiple times outside his home in the Bronx but managed to survive. Another attempt on his life occurred on July 11, 2018, when a gunman fired at him but failed to inflict serious injuries.
Tragically, on October 4, 2018, Sylvester Zottola was fatally shot while waiting at a McDonald’s drive-thru in the Bronx. The attack was carried out in broad daylight, and Zottola was pronounced dead at the scene. His murder was widely reported in the media and attributed to ongoing internal disputes within organized crime circles.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Following his death, a thorough investigation was conducted by law enforcement agencies. Several individuals were arrested and charged in connection with his murder, including his son, Anthony Zottola, who was accused of orchestrating the hit in a bid for control over the family’s lucrative real estate empire.
Legacy
Sylvester Zottola’s death highlighted the ongoing violence and power struggles within New York’s Mafia families. Despite his alleged criminal connections, he was also remembered as a successful businessman who had a significant impact on his local community through his various enterprises.
His murder remains a stark reminder of the brutal realities of life within the Mafia and the lengths to which individuals will go to gain power and control.