Harry Nick Peetros, a 53-year-old male of Greek ethnicity, was found dead on May 26, 1981, in East Lansdowne, Pennsylvania. Peetros, a reputed don of Philadelphia's "Greek Mob," was discovered in the trunk of his car, having been shot multiple times with a handgun. The county coroner ruled his death as a result of these gunshot wounds. Authorities believe the murder had the hallmarks of an organized crime killing, though no specific motive was identified.
The investigation into Peetros'
death revealed that he was last seen alive by his wife on May 23, 1981, at their home in Drexel Hill. Detectives found no evidence that he had been shot in East Lansdowne, suggesting he was killed elsewhere and his body was moved to the location where it was found. The 1980 Pennsylvania Crime Commission report identified Peetros as an elder statesman of the Greek Mob, allegedly involved in loan sharking and illegal gambling.
In the aftermath of Peetros' murder, law enforcement arrested Martin Sarkisian, 49, of Upper Darby, charging him with murder, robbery, and conspiracy in connection with the shooting. Sarkisian's statement to detectives provided significant details about the circumstances leading to Peetros' death. Additionally, the investigation led to the seizure of items from Peetros' apartment, which were believed to be records of his loan-sharking operations.
The case also involved legal proceedings against Peetros' brother, James Peetros, and another individual, James Eden, who were convicted on charges of bribery, corrupt organizations, and criminal conspiracy. The Superior Court later vacated their convictions on the charge of corrupt organizations and granted them a new trial on the bribery and related charges.
Peetros' death and the subsequent investigation underscored the violent and illegal activities associated with organized crime in Philadelphia during that era. The case remains a significant example of the challenges law enforcement faced in tackling organized crime and bringing perpetrators to justice.
