The devastated dad of a 26-year-old Connecticut man brutally murdered in a Manhattan apartment is suing the parents of two of the killer’s alleged accomplices.
Pat Comunale’s suit comes shortly after James Rackover, 27, was convicted of second-degree murder for beating and stabbing to death Joey Comunale on the Upper East Side in November 2017.
Rackover lived in the apartment, which was paid for by his alleged lover, “jeweler to the stars” Jeffrey Rackover.
Rackover’s pals, Larry Dilione, 29, and Max Gemma, 30, are also implicated in the murder. Dilione faces a murder rap, while Gemma is criminally charged with tampering with evidence and hindering the prosecution.
The new Manhattan Supreme Court suit says Dilione’s mom, Suzanne Dilione, 56, and Gemma’s dad — former Oceanport, NJ, mayor and lawyer Gordon Gemma, 59, — tried to cover up their sons’ crimes.
“Gemma and Dilione conspired and agreed among themselves and others to conceal and cover up the brutal murder of Joey by intentionally and knowingly lying to law enforcement,” the suit says.
Mark Bederow, who represents Max Gemma, expressed deep sympathy for the Comunale family Tuesday but called the allegations “disgraceful.”
He noted that the Manhattan district attorney does not plan to charge Max Gemma in connection with Joey Comunale’s murder. He added that here’s “no evidence” the father was involved in a cover-up.
Suzanne Dilione did not return messages.
The suit seeks unspecified damages.