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Answers in the murky 2010 dismemberment murder of a Bolton father may finally be close at hand.
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According to CTV News, Antonio “Tony” Lucia, 64, of Woodbridge is slated to go on trial for the gruesome slaying of Morris Conte in March.
The website said the expected five-week first-degree murder trial will take place in Orangeville.
The Conte murder has long been a source of speculation for underworld observers with two strands emerging: A love triangle or an underworld settling of accounts.
Conte, 45, was a Bolton contractor and father of four, who was reported missing by family on May 21, 2010. His last known engagement was supposed to be coffee with a friend.
That friend was Lucia.
The next day Conte’s dismembered remains were scattered at several locations in Oro-Medonte, Bracebridge and Lake of Bays.
“The remains (were left) in such a manner that they were left to be found,” an OPP spokesperson said in June 2011. “There was no attempt to hide (them).”
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He said it was clear, someone was sending a “message.”
One month after Conte’s remains were discovered, the Toronto Sun reported that Conte had been known to police and associated with underworld players. Police sources added that he was not a big name on the mob marquee.
In addition, the Sun also reported that Conte allegedly owed big money on the street to feed a nagging cocaine habit.
One police source said detectives were instead focusing on a possible love triangle as a motive for the murder.
Conte’s family were mystified by the slaying, telling the Sun the victim appeared to have overcome his demons.
”We have no idea. Was he in the wrong place at the wrong time? This is what’s troubling,” said Rob Conte about his twin brother. ”His lifestyle he was living — there was no sign of anything.”
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In 2011, detectives arrested Tony Lucia’s son, Sam Lucia, and charged him as an accessory after death and committing an indignity to a human body. The charges were later withdrawn.
And the case seemingly went into cold storage.
Finally, in September 2022, Tony Lucia was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Two months later he was released on $1 million bail.
CTV reported that earlier this year, Sam Lucia attended the Orangeville courthouse. And he was testifying for the Crown. What was said during the proceedings is currently protected by a publication ban.
None of the charges against Tony Lucia have been proven in court.
A $50,000 reward continues to be offered for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for Conte’s murder.
Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
@HunterTOSun
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