Deliberations Resume In Boulis Murder Trial

FT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) - Jury deliberations resumed Tuesday in the re-trial of a man accused of masterminding the execution style murder of Miami Subs founder Konstantinos "Gus" Boulis.

After a second day of deliberating--about 10 hours--the jury has yet to reach a verdict.

During his closing argument Monday, prosecutor Gregg Rossman told the jury that Anthony "Big Tony" Moscatiello, 77, offered a hitman $100-thousand for the murder of Boulis, who was also the former chief of SunCruz Casinos.

"Big Tony says to him 'so you are the guy who is going to do it, you're the guy who is going to kill Gus Boulis, you're the guy who is going to kill the owner of SunCruz," said Rossman.

In February 2001, Boulis was shot to death gangland style as he drove away from his Fort Lauderdale office.

Prosecutors say Moscatiello ordered a hitman to kill Boulis who was trying to regain control of his SunCruz gambling business. One of the new owners Adam Kidan was feuding with Boulis and hired Moscatiello who has alleged mob ties to protect him.

"His way of protection was to take Gus Boulis out," said Rossman.

Boulis and Kidan, at the time of his death, were locked in a bitter struggle over control of SunCruz.

Moscatiello claims it was Kidan who wanted Boulis dead.

"And you know his motive," defense attorney Kenneth Malnick told the jury, "He was afraid Boulis was gonna kill him so he struck first."

Moscatiello's first trial in 2013 ended in mistrial when his attorney became ill.

His co-defendant Anthony "Little Tony" Ferrari was convicted of murder and is serving a life prison term.

Moscatiello is facing the death penalty if convicted.

Deliberations are set to resume Wednesday morning.