Harry Nick Peetros, 53, was found dead on May 26, 1981, in East Lansdowne, Pennsylvania. He was discovered in the trunk of his car and had been shot multiple times with a handgun; the county coroner ruled the gunshot wounds the cause of death. Detectives reported no evidence he was shot at the scene, indicating he was likely killed elsewhere and the body moved to where it was found.

Peetros, described in a 1980 Pennsylvania Crime Commission report as an elder statesman of Philadelphia’s Greek Mob and linked to loan sharking and illegal gambling, was last seen alive by his wife on May 23, 1981, at their Drexel Hill home. Authorities said the slaying bore the hallmarks of an organized crime killing but did not identify a specific motive.

In the investigation, Upper Darby resident Martin Sarkisian, 49, was arrested and charged with murder, robbery, and conspiracy; his statement to detectives reportedly provided significant details about the circumstances. Items seized from Peetros’ apartment were believed to be records of loan-sharking operations. James Peetros and James Eden were also prosecuted on related corruption charges; the Superior Court later vacated the corrupt organizations convictions and ordered a new trial on bribery and related counts.