John Veasey: Former Hitman Becomes Informant in New Netflix Documentary ‘Mob War’

John Veasey, a former hitman who turned government informant, is on a path towards redemption following his pivotal role in the demise of mob boss John Stanfa and a dozen of his associates during the 1990s. His life story and the violent struggle for power within Philadelphia’s La Cosa Nostra is the centerpiece of a new Netflix docuseries, “Mob War: Philadelphia vs. The Mafia,” which premiered on October 22.

Veasey, a native of South Philadelphia, was a significant figure in the Philadelphia mob during the 1990s. He confessed to involvement in two notorious murders and subsequently spent nearly 11 years in prison after cooperating with federal prosecutors against Stanfa and his cohorts in a federal racketeering trial, culminating in his release in 2005. In the Netflix series, Veasey reflects on his decision to join the mafia, which he now describes as the “worst decision” of his life.

In the wake of Stanfa’s trial in 1995, Veasey gained a sort of notoriety for his frank testimony, which played a crucial role in the federal case against the mafia. Reports from the time indicated that jurors were captivated by his candid and sometimes graphic narration of events, which significantly bolstered the prosecution’s case.

Veasey’s journey into criminality began when he agreed to become an FBI informant in January 1994, prompted by concerns for his safety after his brother, William “Billy” Veasey, warned him that Stanfa had issued a contract on his life. Veasey admitted to being involved in the killings of Michael “Mikey Chang” Ciancaglini in August 1993 and Frank Baldino Sr. in September 1993, incidents that underscored the violence and chaos of the era.

In a graphic re-examination of the past, Veasey recounted the events surrounding Ciancaglini’s murder, where, under Stanfa’s orders to eliminate any opposition, he and fellow enforcer Philip Colletti executed the hit. The aftermath saw Veasey not only involved in the crime but also having to concoct an elaborate cover story to explain serious injuries he incurred during the process.

Baldino’s assassination, executed outside the Melrose Diner, further illustrated the ruthlessness of the mob’s operations. Veasey later collaborated with law enforcement to locate the weapons used in the shooting, emphasizing his growing role as an informant.

The struggle for survival intensified when Veasey himself became a target. In January 1994, he survived an assassination attempt that left him shot four times and stabbed seven. The brutal attack was carried out by Stanfa associates, and while severely wounded, Veasey fought back and narrowly escaped with his life.

The violence escalated again when, just before he was set to testify against Stanfa, Veasey’s brother was murdered—an act speculated to be a calculated move either by Stanfa to intimidate Veasey or by rival forces seeking revenge for the mob-related killings.

Veasey’s testimony during the trial spanned approximately two and a half days, where he candidly detailed his experiences and involvement with the mob, further sealing the fate of Stanfa, who ultimately received five consecutive life sentences.

After serving nearly a decade in prison, Veasey aimed to turn his life around, distancing himself from the criminal past that once defined him. His story was later chronicled in the book “The Hit Man: A True Story of Murder, Redemption and the Melrose Diner.” Currently residing in the Midwest, Veasey has embraced a new chapter in his life, working as a car salesman and using his experience to caution others against the lifestyle he once led.

“Mob War: Philadelphia vs. The Mafia” serves as both a historical account of a tumultuous time in Philadelphia’s crime landscape and a narrative of personal transformation, reflecting the complexities of morality, loyalty, and redemption in the world of organized crime.

The series and Veasey’s revelations urge a reconsideration of the past while offering a cautionary tale about the consequences of a life steeped in violence and criminality.