Murder Charges Levied in Stamford Man's Killing

STAMFORD, CT — Two men were formally charged with second-degree murder in the homicide case of Stamford native Joseph Comunale, who was killed in Manhattan during November, according to prosecutors.

James Rackover, 26, and Lawrence Dilione,28, were charged with killing Comunale, 26, on top of lesser charges including hindering prosecution and tampering with physical evidence. To sign up for Stamford breaking news alerts and more, click here.

he brutality of this horrific murder was compounded by the defendants’ efforts to dispose of the victim’s body in an attempt to evade prosecution,” said District Attorney Cyrus Vance. “We will prosecute this case to the full extent of the law to achieve justice for Joseph and the Comunale family.”

Comunale was repeatedly stabbed during a Nov. 13 party held inside Rackover's apartment, according to prosecutors. Rackover and Dilione drove Comunale's body to Oceanport, NJ and buried him in a shallow grave.

A third suspect, Max Gemma of Oceanport, NJ was previously charged with hindering prosecution and tampering with physical evidence.

Photos of Rackover (1) and Dilione (2) via AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews