Aniello Dellacroce,Gotti's friend and mentor, dies of brain cancer. December 16th Paul Castellano and Thomas Bilotti are murdered outside of Spark's Steak House in Manhattan. Gotti is arrested on federal racketeering charges. Gotti allegedly becomes boss of the Gambino family. March The assault case is dismissed after Piecyk can't remember who assaulted him.
Trial is postponed.
Aug 18th Federal trial begins again. March 6th Diane Giacalone presents her summation of the case, which lasts five hours and contains several mistaken names and some errors of fact. The jury reaches the verdict of Not Guilty on all counts. 1989 Mid-January Gotti arrested on charges of conspiracy to commit assault in the shooting of John O'Conner. Feb 9th John is acquitted of the assault charges.