Comunale Homicide: NYPD May Have Bungled Evidence

STAMFORD, CT — Prosecutors could face some issues regarding admissibility of evidence in the homicide case of slain Stamford native Joseph Comunale.

Suspect Lawrence Dilione had conversations with investigators over the course of two days beginning Nov. 15 about the homicide and location of Comunale's body, according to the New York Daily News.

Dilone's current lawyer Michael Pappa told the New York Daily News that he has reason to believe his client retained one or more lawyers early on and the NYPD was instructed not to question Dilione.

If that's true statements Dilione made may not be admissible as evidence in a criminal trial. The NYPD didn't respond to requests for comment from the Daily News. Neither James Rackover or Dilione have been charged with the murder as of Dec. 21, but prosecutors previously said they believe either one or both killed Comunale.

The homicide occurred in Rackover's apartment in the Grand Sutton tower — located on located on East 59th Street near First Avenue, according to the NYPD.

Related:

• Hundreds Attend Joseph Comunale Funeral Service
• Former New Jersey Mayor's Son Charged in Comunale Homicide: Update
• Rackover Indicted by Grand Jury in Comunale Homicide Case
• 'We Took Joey's Body to Oceanport, N.J.': Man Accused of Murdering Connecticut Man

Comunale's body was dug from a shallow grave in a remote, wooded area of Oceanport, N.J. His body had at least 15 stab wounds, a broken pelvis and burn marks, according to police and the DA's office.

The wounds suggested that Comunale was killed with a knife and that his body had been dropped from a high distance. A large duffel bag was discovered near the burial site, according to the DA's office.

According to the DA's office Dilione admitted to police that he and another man took Comunale's body to New Jersey.

Read the full New York Daily News story here.