Human remains discovered in March behind a Rhode Island mill have been positively identified as those of a missing Massachusetts nightclub owner. Using DNA analysis, the FBI determined the body parts belong to Steven A. DiSarro , a presumed mob victim last seen alive in 1993.
Nightclub manager Steven A. DiSarro was missing for 23 years, until Thursday night https://t.co/bEoX2LJeUx pic.twitter.com/lOCz6flV2H
— The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) June 10, 2016
“For 23 years, the family of Mr. DiSarro has been awaiting news of his whereabouts,” said FBI special agent Harold Shaw. “The thoughts and prayers of everyone in the FBI are with them during this difficult time. Our investigation will continue to pursue those responsible for Mr. DiSarro’s death in an effort to bring them to justice.”
DiSarro’s son, who was 7 when his father vanished, received a call from the FBI on Thursday.
“We’ve waited 23 years for somebody from the FBI to call us and say we found him,” said Nick DiSarro. “That happened today when I was at work and it was surreal.”
Even though DiSarro’s remains have been found, the family is still searching for answers.
“We look forward to the conclusion of the FBI’s investigation so we can learn as much as possible about what really happened to Steven and finally get some closure for our family,” the victim’s wife, Pamela DiSarro, said.
During an investigation of an illegal marijuana growing operation, DiSarro’s remains were uncovered while digging behind a Providence mill on March 31. Back in August, agents raided the factory and recovered nearly 1,400 marijuana plants, cash, and a gun.
The industrial complex is currently owned by notorious mob associate William L. Ricci. While the FBI has not indicated if the two cases are related, an unnamed informant told investigators DiSarro would be found there.
FBI evidence team digging at old mill site in Providence. Reportedly looking for remains of Steven DiSarro. @NECN pic.twitter.com/Js4AoXjFOF
— Jeff Saperstone (@JeffNBCBoston) March 31, 2016
In early March, Ricci pleaded guilty to allowing the property be used in the indoor cannabis cultivation scheme. In exchange for his plea, prosecutors dropped two other charges against the mobster.
Just before his disappearance, DiSarro operated The Channel, a nightclub in Boston. He was also a known associate of a former mob boss’ son. Allegedly, DiSarro became tied with the mafia after borrowing money to open the business.
After 23 years, a tip on where Westwood’s Steven A. DiSarro might be https://t.co/876ZX03LFW pic.twitter.com/qKp4cG6Sds
— The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) March 31, 2016
The investigation into DiSarro’s disappearance has been going on for quite some time. Throughout the years, various mobsters have given conflicting statements about the details of the murder and burial of the former club owner.
In 2004, New England mob boss Francis “Cadillac Frank” Salemme told prosecutors his son, Francis P. Salemme, Jr., strangled DiSarro. While the senior Salemme adamantly denied having been involved in DiSarro’s death, he later admitted lying to authorities when he claimed another mob boss was responsible for the killing.
Speaking to both federal and state officials in 2003, infamous mob affiliate Stephen “The Rifleman” Flemmi said he witnessed the murder of DiSarro at the Sharon, Massachusetts, home of Salemme’s ex-wife. Flemmi claimed Francis Salemme, Sr., John Salemme, and Paul Weadick were in the room when the junior Salemme killed DiSarro.
According to Flemmi’s statements, Salemme also helped his son dispose of the body at a construction site. Another mobster, Robert DeLuca, was also there when DiSarro was buried, according to the FBI. Court documents filed related to Ricci’s arrest noted a longstanding relationship with DeLuca.
On Thursday, Salemme’s attorney, Steven Boozang, said his client had nothing to do with DiSarro’s death and called Flemmi a “serial liar.” He said Flemmi is making up a story about something that never occurred.
The elder Salemme is currently in the Federal Witness Protection Program for providing information related to federal charges against crime boss James “Whitey” Bulger . Francis Salemme, Jr., who was the assistant manager at The Channel, died in 1995.
Steven DiSarro was 43 years old when family members reported him missing. The FBI has yet to officially charge anyone for the murder.
[Photo by Stephen Chernin/Getty Images]
