Sylvester Zottola, 71, was fatally shot on October 4, 2018, while waiting in his SUV at a McDonald’s drive-thru in the Bronx. He was struck multiple times in the head, chest, and shoulder and was pronounced dead at the scene. The killing followed a year of earlier violent attacks on Sylvester — he had been clubbed, shot at, and stabbed in the neck in incidents that he and others initially thought might be mob-related.

Investigators concluded the murder was an inside betrayal. The plot was orchestrated by Sylvester’s son, Anthony Zottola Sr., who aimed to take control of his father’s real estate holdings. Anthony hired Bloods gang member Bushawn Shelton, who recruited accomplices; the final shooter, Himen Ross, used a GPS device placed on Sylvester’s car to locate him at the drive-thru. Text messages among the conspirators discussed the killing and referenced payment for the hit.

A federal jury later convicted Anthony Zottola Sr. and Himen Ross of murder-for-hire and related conspiracy counts; both received mandatory life sentences plus additional years. Bushawn Shelton pleaded guilty to murder-for-hire charges and was awaiting sentencing. If anyone knew Sylvester or has information about the attacks leading up to October 4, 2018, please share what is known.