Judge Rules Life In Prison For "Little Tony" In Boulis Murder
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami/AP) — Anthony "Little Tony" Ferrari will spend the rest of his life in prison for the 2001 mob-style murder of South Florida businessman Konstaninos "Gus" Boulis who ran a fleet of gambling ships and founded the Miami Subs restaurant chain.
Thursday morning, Broward Circuit Court Judge Ilona Holmes sentenced Ferrari to life in prison without parole.
A jury this week recommended life without parole for the 56-year-old Ferrari in Boulis' murder. Judge Holmes indicated she would follow that recommendation at Thursday's sentencing, rather than imposing the death penalty.
Before sentencing, the sister of Gus Boulis who has been in court every day, had the opportunity to make a final statement. She had a prosecutor read from a letter she hand wrote.
"We still need prayers, faith and support to overcome the next trial, Moscatiellos. In order to start healing from this tragic loss," wrote Mersina Koumoulidis.
Ferrari also had the opportunity to address the judge, but he didn't say much.
"Your honor, I just wanted to thank the court for its time. That's all I'm going to say and the staff and everyone concerned. That's all I have to say your honor."
Testimony showed that Ferrari and Anthony "Big Tony" Moscatiello plotted to have Boulis killed by a mob hit man in a battle for control of the SunCruz fleet.
Boulis was gunned down in his car on a Ft. Lauderdale street twelve years ago.
Moscatiello allegedly has ties to the Gambino crime family.
Moscatiello got a mistrial when his attorney became ill and will be retried later.
Ferrari has plans to appeal but is out of money and has to have a court appointed attorney for that appeal.
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