Overview

• Medical examiners found that 21-year-old Paolo Taormina died from a shot to the head after he stepped in to stop a beating outside his family’s bar.
• Suspect Gaetano Maranzano, 28, confessed to prosecutors, claiming provocation and saying Taormina was trying to challenge him in front of others.
• Police seized an illegally held 9mm pistol at Maranzano’s home, which investigators say does not appear to be the weapon used.
• Authorities are searching for people who were with Maranzano that night as they work to corroborate his stated motive.
• Witnesses include Taormina’s girlfriend and sister, who have given statements about the events outside the 'O Scruscio' bar around 3:30 a.m.