Francesco Del Balso, a former Rizzuto family organized crime associate, was shot dead early this afternoon outside of Monster Gym, located off Highway 40 and St-Régis Blvd. in Dorval. The 53-year-old was shot several times, at least once in the head. The suspect remains at large and fled the scene.
According to sources, Del Balso's murder contract included a prize reward of $250,000, making it one of the highest-paying contracts in Quebec organized crime history. Del Balso had constant surveillance surrounding his Laval home, traveled in an armored vehicle, and wore a bulletproof vest.
He narrowly escaped an assassination attempt last November, where gunfire was also involved. He has been suspected of orchestrating the murder attempt of Leonardo Rizzuto. In 2006, he was convicted of gangsterism and conspiracy to import cocaine.
SOURCE: TVA
