Frank "Frankie Flowers" D'Alfonso, a 56-year-old male of Italian ethnicity, was a reputed organized crime figure in Philadelphia, PA. He was shot to death on July 23, 1985, in a gangland-style execution by two gunmen as he paused to light a cigarette on a street corner near his home. The assailants fled the scene in a black Cadillac driven by a third man.
D'Alfonso was pronounced dead about 45 minutes later at Pennsylvania Hospital.
The murder was believed to be related to his involvement in illegal gambling operations, as D'Alfonso was listed as a major figure in gambling for the old Bruno crime family. Despite carrying over $1,000, his wallet, and a watch, robbery was ruled out as a motive since none of his belongings were taken. The police recovered a. 38-caliber snub-nosed Smith & Wesson revolver at the scene and were looking for another weapon.
A manhunt was launched for the suspects involved in the killing. The investigation revealed that D'Alfonso had been a victim of a brutal beating four years prior, which left him with severe injuries. The police had descriptions of the two assailants from witnesses and were actively searching for them.
In 1989, Nicodemo "Little Nicky" Scarfo, the head of the local La Cosa Nostra, along with seven associates, were sentenced to life in prison for the murder of D'Alfonso. This conviction marked a significant blow to organized crime in the Philadelphia area, as it was one of the bloodiest eras in the city's mob history.
The case brought to light the violent and dangerous world of organized crime, with D'Alfonso's death being a stark reminder of the risks associated with being involved in such activities.
