Hamilton Man Captured in Mexico After Years on the Run

A man from Hamilton, wanted for his involvement in two mob-related murders, was caught in Mexico after spending nine years evading authorities and now faces at least two counts of first-degree murder.

Daniel Tomassetti was apprehended in August 2025, as reported by police to CBC Hamilton on Wednesday.

The 35-year-old is currently detained in Mexico, and efforts “are underway to facilitate his extradition to Canada,” according to Hamilton police in an email.

York Regional Police from Ontario mentioned that he is challenging the extradition.

The arrest was first covered by the .

Tomassetti was sought in connection with the separate murders of notorious Ontario mobster Angelo Musitano and an innocent bystander, Mila Barberi, back in 2017.

Barberi, a 28-year-old veterinary technician from Toronto, was shot while waiting in a parked SUV in Vaughan nine years ago this month for her boyfriend, Saverio Serrano, who also suffered injuries. Authorities believe Serrano had ties to organized crime.

Mila Barberi and Angelo Musitano, left to right, were killed in 2017. (Facebook and the )

On May 2, 2017, Musitano was shot dead in his driveway located in Waterdown, a neighborhood within Hamilton known for its mob affiliations.

Two Others Linked to Killings; One Deceased

Tomassetti is the last suspect identified among three involved in these double murders.

After the incidents occurred, Michael Cudmore fled to Mexico but was later found deceased there in June 2020. Authorities believe he was murdered.

Jabril Abdalla accepted a plea deal for a lesser charge related to being part of a criminal organization and received a sentence of time served totaling 46 months.

At that time, Interpol indicated Tomassetti faced two counts of first-degree murder along with one count each of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder on three occasions.

CBC is seeking confirmation on whether he now faces additional charges aside from first-degree murder.

He had been monitored by police after the shootings back in 2017 but managed to travel to Mexico by utilizing connections there as early as January 2018. Court documents suggest he dodged surveillance by leaving his phone behind while getting someone else to drive him to the airport. He didn’t board his return flight days later.

In 2023, Tomassetti earned a spot among Canada’s most wanted fugitives listed under BOLO (be on the lookout) Program. Authorities also offered a $50,000 reward for tips leading directly to his capture. Hamilton police could not confirm whether that reward has been claimed yet.

“At this time, we are not in a position to provide additional details beyond what has already been shared,” said Jackie Penman from Hamilton police via email sent to CBC. “As noted, Daniel Tomassetti is currently in custody in Mexico and efforts are underway to facilitate his extradition to Canada. Further information will be released when it’s confirmed and appropriate.”

The Musitano Family’s Long-Standing Ties To Organized Crime

The Musitano family’s involvement with organized crime dates back over fifty years.

While serving prison time due to extortion cases and bombings convictions against him Anthony Musitano received charges related to conspiracy involving killing mobster Domenic Racco.

In 1997 both Angelo alongside older sibling Pat faced first-degree murder accusations regarding death threats issued against mob leader Johnny (Pops) Papalia along with lieutenant Carmen Barillaro however those charges were dismissed once they struck deals pleading guilty concerning Barillaro’s case instead.

Weeks following Angelo’s assassination occurring back during 2017 Pasquale (Pat) Musitano survived an assassination attempt though he ultimately met similar fate being fatally shot outside furniture store located Burlington Ont shortly thereafter occurring year later during July

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