Colorado Springs police have arrested a man suspected of luring his heavily insured father to his death at the hands of an accomplice.
William Silvi, 40, and his brother-in-law Daniel Tunks, 34, both of Colorado Springs, conspired to kill Silvi’s father, William Marcucci, 64, in Saddle Brook, N.J., police said Wednesday. They were arrested without incident on Tuesday at 743 E. Costilla Street.
“This was all about the insurance, it was all about the money,” said Bergen County N.J. prosecutor John Molinelli.
Marcucci, of the Bronx, was found dead in his Cadillac behind a Bennigan’s restaurant in Saddle Brook, N.J. on May 20.He had been shot once in the back of his head.
The Record, a New Jersey newspaper, reported that Marcucci had run a bookmaking operation and was associated with the Genovese crime family.
Molinelli said his department’s investigation found no mob ties to Marccuci.
Silvi was named as the beneficiary in several insurance policies held by Marcucci. Among them were accidental death policies that would pay even if the insured was murdered, said Molinelli.
Silvi was involved in the purchase of the policies, which would have paid almost $1 million, Molinelli said. At least one of the policies was taken out in the past year.
“Silvi lured his father from his home in the Bronx out to New Jersey where they were supposed to have a meeting. Mr. Tunk showed up and put the bullet in his head.”
The two planned the murder from Colorado Springs. They are charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes.
Colorado Springs police began assisting Bergen County and Saddle Brook investigators with the case in July.
Tom McGhee: (303)954-1671 or tmcghee@denverpost.com
