Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

Gambino Associate's Grandson Arrested in Queens Shooting, Authorities Say

By Ben Fractenberg | September 9, 2014 7:53pm
 Robert Sasso was charged with shooting a childhood friend four times at the Whitestone jetty on Aug. 29 after police arrested him early on the morning of Sept. 9, 2014, officials said. 
Robert Sasso was charged with shooting a childhood friend four times at the Whitestone jetty on Aug. 29 after police arrested him early on the morning of Sept. 9, 2014, officials said. 
View Full Caption
NYPD

QUEENS — A man whose father and grandfather were both former Gambino crime family associates was arrested early Tuesday nearly two weeks after shooting a childhood friend on a Whitestone jetty on last month, authorities said.

Robert Sasso, 33, who bears several distinctive tattoos on his face and head, was picked up by police in his car under Grand Central Parkway, police said.

He was charged with attempted murder, assault and criminal possession of a weapon for shooting Dean Oku, 39, while the two were smoking marijuana at the shoreline near the Whitestone Bridge at about 2 a.m. on Aug. 29, according to authorities. 

Sasso fled in a white Ford Fusion, leaving Oku for dead, but the victim survived and identified him to a 911 operator, according to the Queens District Attorney. Oku is still in critical condition at New York Hospital Queens, the DA's office added.

“It is alleged that Sasso and Oku walked down to the water, smoked marijuana, had a conversation and that, without warning, Sasso fired a .45 caliber firearm multiple times at Oku, striking him in the abdomen, left leg and left arm,” prosecutors said. 

Sasso also assaulted his 33-year-old live-in girlfriend two days before the shooting when he punched her in the face and then pushed her out of a vehicle parked in front of 69-35 Astoria Blvd, the DA’s office added.

She suffered bruises to her face, the DA's office said.

Sasso’s father, Robert Sasso Jr., was convicted in 1994 on gun trafficking charges and his grandfather, also named Robert Sasso, resigned from the Teamsters Local 282 in 1992 because of his alleged mob ties.

The youngest Sasso was also wanted for questioning by the NYPD in 2013 in connection with a shooting at a Hell’s Kitchen construction site as well as another homicide in Flushing, sources said.

He is being charged in a second complaint with criminal contempt, assault and harassment for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend, records show.

He faces up to 25 years in prison for the shooting charges and four years for the alleged attack on his girlfriend, according to the DA’s office.

“The defendant is accused of committing acts of violence against people who knew and trusted him,” said Queens District Attorney Richard Brown in a statement. “The friend remains in critical condition and the defendant is facing serious charges in both cases that could lead to a lengthy prison sentence if he is convicted.”