A viral video from June in Howard Beach, Queens, has identified the mystery woman seen getting punched during a brawl involving the grandsons of notorious mob boss John Gotti. The woman, 60-year-old Cathy Gabrielli, was struck when she tried to protect her son, Gino, during an assault carried out by his brothers-in-law, John Jr. (31) and Frankie Gotti (27).
Sources say Gotti Jr. and Frankie confronted Gino over an alleged home burglary and $3,000 theft at a property in Jamaica, Queens. During the altercation outside Cathy’s $1 million residence on 84th Street, suspicions turned violent and video footage shows Cathy stepping in to stop the violence—only to be struck accidentally amid the chaos.
Prosecutors have charged both grandsons with third-degree attempted assault and harassment. They entered not guilty pleas and are scheduled to appear in court on August 7. The alleged theft led to separate burglary and larceny charges against Gino, who disputes he stole anything and says the money was owed rent. He also claims longstanding tensions with the family over housing and personal disputes.