State vs. F.

Colacurcio
By Lisa Beem, Lisa Giamberso, Mas Podgorny and Aman Vasdev

Act 1
Scene 1

Frank Colacurcio is sitting alone in a chair addressing the audience, drink in hand.

Frank: Mafia malarkey. They’ve been trying to pin me down since the day I was born!
All because the cops just want someone to label as their mob figure. I grew up in
Bellevue Washington on my father’s vegetable farm. He was no Sicilian mobster; he was
an honest hard working man.
As for me, I’ve always had a certain way with business. By the time I was in my
twenties I had successful companies in the trucking business, the vending machine
business and various other odds and ends. Soon I turned to where the money was and
started running bars and night clubs, like the one right up the street; Ricks. It all fell apart
when this young girl took me to court, all because I refused to get married to her; said I
had done something to her. Let me make myself clear, it never ruined me, but ever since,
I’ve had cops follow me wherever I go, hoping to corner me somehow.
But seventy some years later; I’m still here, and the police are still hounding me.
Don’t they get it? I’m Frank fucking Colacurcio, and there aint no way they ever gonna
bring me down.
It seems though, I’ve had my last bought with the law. My age is finally catching
up on me, and I’ve handed most all the business responsibilities down to by oldest son,
Frankie. I look forward –

John Carbone a.k.a "Handsome Johnny", Frank’s second hand man who is witty and
proper enters; quickly, yet astutely

Johnny: Big Frank! Big Frank! You better come take a look at this. There seem to be an
awful lot of cop cars outside.

Frank (As he looks out the window): What do the police want? I am an old man, leave
me my peace. (He pauses). Tell Frankie to go and head out the basement exit, they might
be looking for him.

As Johnny jogs out to the door, a policemen and what looks to be a detective meet him at
the door, but pay no attention and walk straight to Frank.

Lucy: There he is!

Policemen (Placing handcuffs on Frank, who complies smugly): Frank Colacurcio

you are under arrest for lead conspiracy of the murders of Everett Fretland, Barbara
Rosenfield, Frank Hinkley, Leroy Grant, and Rex Parsons in the first degree. (As they
walk out) You have the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used
against you in the court of law. You have the right to a lawyer…
Lucy Mayes, a well known criminal law attorney watches Frank walk out and addresses
the audience, as the other characters exit.

Lucy: Twenty years. It’s taken twenty long tiring years to simply see that man in
handcuffs, and I still don’t know if he’ll be put behind bars for what he did.
The murders all so obviously pointed to Frank and the Colacurcio crime family.
Fretland, a bar owner, turned down Colacurcio’s offer to buy his bar, and after Fretland
was found shot, a Colacurcio affiliate took ownership of the tavern. Hinkley and his
fiancé were owners of a strip club that rivaled Frank’s, and after years of disputes,
Hinkley and his wife-to-be were found murdered in their apartment, execution style.
Leroy Grant was not only a failed hit man of Colacurcio’s, but also a known traitor. So it
was no surprise when he was found shot on a Maple Valley road. And lastly Parsons was
a police informant who used to dig up evidence on the Colacurcio family, he disappeared
and was found dead months later. All the victims were prime targets for Frank.
And it’s been this obvious all along. However, one problem kept arising
throughout the investigation; everyone and everything that had any ties to Frank and his
family told us nothing. I’ve never dealt with a group of people so tight lipped; each and
every member silent, until now. We recently have had a witness open up to us on some
more than interesting facts, and we finally have the evidence we need. We’ve got you
now Big Frank.

Curtains Close

Scene 2

Frank, dressed in a designer suit, his defense attorney, Albert Rosellini sit arrogantly
across from an investigative detective and an empty chair, all not moving. Lucy Mayes is
addressing the audience as the narrator.

Lucy: The interrogation went as to be expected with any leader in an organized crime
unit; pointlessly. Not only did Frank barely speak a word, but he didn’t once say anything
that contradicted his, or any other story we had on file.

The investigative detective slams the table as Lucy Mayes sits down in the empty chair.

Investigative Detective (furiously): Damn it! Who did you hire to kill Leroy Grant?
Who?

Albert (to Frank): You don’t have to answer that.

Investigative Detective (still angered, but more collected): Listen Big Frank
(sarcastically). You are going to go to jail for a long time unless you cooperate with us
now. Understand?
Albert: My client did not hire anyone to kill Mr. Leroy Grant, whom we’ve established
that my client barely even met.

Investigative Detective (now loosing his momentary cool): We know you hired
someone. We have witnesses. You can’t win. We could have helped you, but no. I hope
you’re happy with dieing in jail Mr. Colacurcio.

The party all freezes and the lights go out. The room is transformed into a court room
with a judge, Frank and Albert sitting on the left, and an empty desk and chair sitting on
the right. Lucy is standing in front of a frozen scene once again as she addresses the
audience.

Lucy: The arraignment went as expected, but the prosecution felt good about the plea
because it meant Colacurcio would serve a life sentence when convicted.

As Lucy sits, the judge shuffles some papers and looks down upon Colacurcio and his
lawyer.

Judge: Mr. Colacurcio, on the five accounts of lead conspiracy to murder in the first
degree, how do you plea?

There is a brief pause as Frank doesn’t reply.

Albert: My client pleads not guilty your honor.

Judge: I’m sorry Mr. Rosselini, I’m afraid we’re going to have to hear directly from Mr.
Colacurcio.

Frank nods towards Albert and looks back at the Judge insultingly.

Albert: My client pleads not guilty your honor.

Judge: Now Mr. Colacurcio, how do you plead to these charges?

Albert (This time without hesitation): My client pleads not guilty your honor.

Curtains Close
End of Act 1

Act 2
Scene 1

The scene opens up with a classic looking courtroom. Bailiff sitting to the left of a higher
podium which is empty. Frank and Albert are to the left, backs turned as too are Lucy
and another attorney. The judge comes to the bench.
Bailiff: All rise for the honorable Judge Sutherland.

Judge: You may be seated. (Pauses while briefing a few papers) And so for case of the
State of Washington vs. Frank Colacurcio, case number 91CR6068, parties have been
sworn in, let’s hear the opening statements. Prosecution?

Lucy: Thank you your honor. We are here today to finally bring justice to the deaths of
five innocent young lives. Everett Fretland, Barbara Rosenfield, Frank Hinkley, Leroy
Grant, and Rex Parsons were all bright young individuals of their respected communities
until they were ordered murdered by that man. (pointing at Frank).

Judge: Let the record show that she is pointing at Mr. Frank Colacurcio.

Frank grins

Judge: Is something funny Mr. Colacurcio?

Frank doesn’t respond

Judge: Please continue.

Lucy: Now Mr. Everett Fretland was a successful bar owner with an even more
successful bar and nightclub in Yakima. Mr. Colacurcio coveted this said bar, and we
have it in his testimony that he unsuccessfully tried to purchase the bar from Fretland. A
few months later, Fretland was murdered and a business associate of Mr. Colacurcio took
ownership of the bar.
Frank Hinkley was a competitor in the strip club business to Mr. Colacurcio.
Reports by many, including Mr. Colacurcio himself, state that the two had a less then
friendly relationship. After Mr. Hinkley and his fiancé Barbara Rosenfield were murdered
in their homes, Colacurcio tightened his chokehold in the Seattle area of strip club
businesses and earned the alleged name “the stripper king.”
Leroy Grant crossed Mr. Colacurcio’s path many times. And –

Albert: Objection your honor, there is no proof that –

Judge: I’m going to allow it. Please continue.

Lucy: And being a former failed hit man of Colacurcio’s, it is no surprise when Grant
was found murdered by convicted hit man Karcul Martin.
And then you have Rex Parsons who was a police informant. A prime target for a
mafia boss like Cola-

Albert: Objection your honor.

Judge: The defense is correct councilmen, you cannot label Mr. Colacurcio as a mafia
boss.
Lucy: Excuse me your honor. I was simply trying to state that Rex Parson dug into the
defense’s personal life in hopes of prosecuting him for any incriminating evidence found.
Wouldn’t most people want a guy like that dead?
The facts presented are agreed upon by the defense, and it is common knowledge
that the convicted murderers of this case have direct ties with Colacurcio. If there is any
justice in this court you will see that Mr. Colacurcio is guilty.

Judge: Defense, your opening statements.

Albert: There are none your honor.

Judge: Highly unusual, but I will allow it. The court understands your plea.
Prosecution, would you like to call any witnesses to the stand?

Lucy: Yes your honor. The prosecution calls James Elkins to the stand.

James Elkins nervously approaches the stand, is sworn in on the bible and sits down.

Lucy: Mr. Elkins, you are an acquaintance of Mr. Colacurcio over there, is that correct?

James (clearing his throat): Yes.

Lucy: Good acquaintances, is that correct.

James (nervously the whole time): Yes, we were business partners in a sense.

Lucy: And so you understood his actions and attitudes pretty well, am I correct?

James: Yes.

Lucy: So during your interactions with Mr. Colacurcio, did he ever interact with his
competitors using threats or violence?

James (with a long pause): Yes.

Lucy: How often did this occur?

James: Often enough.

Lucy: No further questions your honor

Judge: Would the defense like to cross-examine?

Albert: Yes your honor.

Mr. Elkins is it true that you’re currently enrolled in the Portland state prison for
murder charges?
Lucy: Objection; relevance

Albert: I’m getting there.

The judge nods in approval to continue

Albert: So, Mr. Elkins is it true that you’re currently enrolled in the Portland state prison
for murder charges?

James (confused): Yes

Albert: So why should the court believe a convicted felon on testimony that is in no way
backed up by any evidence whatsoever?

James: Well –

Albert: The question was rhetorical Mr. Elkins. (As he goes back to sit down) No further
questions your honor.

Elkins steps down

Judge: Would the defense like now to present a witness?

Albert: Yes your honor. We call to the bench the noble Officer Peter Bridgeway of the
Seattle Police Department.

Officer Bridgeway is sworn in and takes a seat at the podium.

Albert: Good morning Officer Bridgeway, it is so refreshing to see a credible face up on

the stand. Now could you tell me a little about your experiences with Mr. Colacurcio
during your service to the Seattle Police Department.

Officer Bridgeway: Frank has always been the good guy. Frankly I have no idea why –

Lucy: Objection! Your honor, you can’t possibly listen to this man, he obviously has no
direct relationship to the murder charges.

Judge: The prosecution has a point councilmen.

Albert (explanatorily): Mr. Bridgeway is one of the most respected cops in the entire
city. If he claims that my client is not this mafia gang leader that the prosecution is so
bent on making him seem, surely that grants my client credibility.
Judge: I’m sorry councilman, I’m not going to allow it. Officer Bridgeway, you are
excused. (Bridgeway steps down)
Now will there be any more witnesses? The facts are already fairly well presented
and accounted for in the written testimonies, so I don’t see the reason for –

Lucy: The prosecution, your honor, would like to bring something to the courts attention.

Judge: Go ahead councilman.

Lucy: Thank you your honor.

In my hand I hold the court document of the recent trial of the murder Leroy
Grant, in which Karen L. Martin swore in court that she had killed Mr. Grant, upon hire.
Not only that, but she also stated that she received information that Mr. Grant was a hit
man for hire working under a man by the name of Frank Colacurcio, who also was
labeled as directly linked to the hired murder. (She hands the papers to the Bailiff, who
walks across the court and hands it to the Judge). The prosecution rests its case.

Judge (Looking through the documents): Does the defense have anything in response
to the newly brought upon evidence.

Albert (Shuffling through papers, then pausing): No your honor.

Judge: So be it. Court is in recess while I make my judgment. Court will resume at four
o’clock promptly with the verdict. (The judge bands the gavel and proceeds to the
chambers)

Everyone is getting up as Frank whistles, snaps and points two men in the direction of
the Judges Chambers.

Lucy and Attorney (To Frank and Albert): Hey! Who are you sending to the Judges
chamber! You can’t do that! You can’t let those men in there! Who are those guys!

Bailiff: Councilmen! You are not to speak directly to the opposing party. Thank you.

Curtains Close

Scene 2

The courtroom is settled without the judge, just as in the beginning of the act. The
mystery of Frank’s men in the Judges chambers floats in the air as the prosecution is
fuming by it.

Bailiff: All rise for the honorable judge Sutherland.

Judge enters and sits at the top podium

Judge: Thank you may be seated.
In the case of The State of Washington vs. Frank Colacurcio case number
91CR6068, I have found substantial testimony against the defense. However, the
prosecution has failed to prove any testimony or even relate it with any conclusive
evidence. It is by that in which I find Frank Colacurcio (Looking uneasy and under
presser she pauses) innocent of all charges of conspiracy of murder in the first degree.
My ruling in the case is for the defense. Mr. Colarcurcio, you are free to go. (Bangs
gabble and leaves in a hurry)

The courtroom is loud with remarks to the decision

Lucy (Standing up and shouting): Your honor this is an outrage! The prosecution has
presented clear hard facts to prove –

Bailiff: Councilman! Sit down and control yourself or you will be detained.

Lucy sits down, disgusted and in defeat.

As everyone in the courtroom leaves the last two remaining are Frank and Lucy, who
meet at the courtroom gates to the audience. They stare at each other, Lucy filled with
hate, and Frank with a confident smirk lighting his face.

Frank (taking Lucy’s hand and kissing it): Just business.

Frank exits

Curtains Close
End of Act 2