Anthony Turra, a 61-year-old Italian-American man from Philadelphia, PA, was fatally shot on March 18, 1998. Turra, who was confined to a wheelchair due to health issues including cancer, emphysema, and congestive heart failure, was leaving his home for the federal courthouse when he was shot twice by a gunman wearing a black ski mask. The incident was considered an organized crime assassination, or "mob hit," by the police.
Turra was a reputed gangster and a member of the 10th & Oregon Crew, a South Philadelphia-based organized crime gang. He was involved in a plot to kill Joseph "Skinny Joey" Merlino, the reputed underboss of the Philadelphia crime family. Turra and his son, Louis Turra, were indicted along with thirteen others on charges including drug trafficking, racketeering, and conspiracy to commit murder. The jury was deliberating over these charges when Turra was killed.
The police questioned two mob figures in connection with Turra's murder but did not identify any suspects. The defense in Turra's trial requested a mistrial following his death, but the judge denied the request, stating that any verdict against Turra would be sealed.
Turra's death marked a violent end to his life, which was intertwined with organized crime and illegal activities. His involvement in the plot to kill Merlino and his connections to the 10th & Oregon Crew played a significant role in the events leading up to his murder.
