Philly mob power struggle in the 1990s to be featured in new Netflix series.
The tumultuous history of organized crime in Philadelphia during the 1990s is set to return to the forefront with the upcoming release of Netflix’s docuseries, Mob War: Philadelphia vs. The Mafia. This series revisits a chaotic era marked by a violent power struggle among rival factions within the Philadelphia mob, following the arrest of former boss Nicodermo Scarfo in 1988. Scarfo, who passed away in prison in 2017, was convicted on a multitude of charges that set the stage for a bloody conflict for control of the city’s underworld.
The series explores the intense rivalry that emerged in the early 1990s between factions led by John Stanfa and Joseph “Skinny Joey” Merlino. Following Scarfo’s downfall, Philadelphia experienced an alarming surge of violence, with many mob-related incidents contributing to the dissolution of order among criminal enterprises. Merlino, who opened a cheesesteak restaurant named Skinny Joey’s on South Broad Street earlier this year, has consistently denied maintaining a leadership role in the city’s organized crime activities.
During this violent time, the mob’s activities intensified, illustrated by a voiceover from the Mob War trailer which ominously states, “bodies were flying everywhere.” The turmoil continued until Stanfa was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1996, a pivotal moment that marked the decline of his influence.
The documentary prominently features John Veasey, a hitman turned government informant, who played a crucial role in dismantling Stanfa’s faction. Veasey is implicated in multiple high-profile murders during this critical period, including an incident in August 1993 during which he ambushed Merlino, resulting in injury to the latter and the death of fellow mobster Michael Ciancaglini. This event is identified by Netflix as a catalyst for escalating tensions within Philadelphia’s organized crime network.
Veasey spent nearly 11 years in prison for murder and racketeering charges as part of a plea agreement, ultimately being released in 2005. His life story was further chronicled in 2012 in the book The Hit Man: A True Story of Murder, Redemption and the Melrose Diner. After serving his time, Veasey claimed to have turned a new leaf, working as a car salesman and embracing a more positive lifestyle.
In a reflective moment during the Mob War trailer, Veasey shares regret regarding his past decisions, particularly his association with the mafia. The docuseries aims to shed light on this dark chapter of Philadelphia’s history, exploring the motives and consequences of those involved.
Mob War: Philadelphia vs. The Mafia will premiere on Netflix on October 22, offering viewers a deep dive into one of the most violent eras in the city’s criminal underbelly. Media News Source observes that this exploration not only remembers the events themselves but also assesses the enduring impact of organized crime on Philadelphia’s landscape.
