Francesco (Chit) Del Balso, a prominent figure in the Montreal Mafia, met a tragic end on Monday afternoon in the West Island of Montreal. Known for his brash and aggressive leadership style, Del Balso had survived two previous attempts on his life and was suspected of involvement in a plot to kill alleged Mafia leader Leonardo Rizzuto.

The shooting took place near the Monster Gym in Dorval, between the service road of Highway 40 and St-Régis Blvd. Despite the efforts of the police, no arrests have been made in connection with the crime.

The killing of Del Balso was not entirely unexpected, as he had been engaged in a power struggle within the Montreal Mafia since the death of former leader Vito Rizzuto. Antonio Nicaso, an organized crime expert, stated that this murder is a clear sign that the Montreal Mafia is still embroiled in a violent conflict to fill the power vacuum left by Vito Rizzuto's passing. Nicaso further revealed that Del Balso had clashed with the organization as he sought to expand his influence and authority.

Del Balso first gained notoriety in 2006 during Project Colisée, an extensive police investigation into the Montreal Mafia and its leaders. He was recorded numerous times making threats over cellphones without fear of consequences. One such chilling threat was played during the Charbonneau Commission, exposing the Mafia's influence in the construction industry.

In 2008, Del Balso pleaded guilty to charges related to his involvement in the Rizzuto organization and received a 15-year prison sentence. However, by the time he was released, the organized crime landscape in Montreal had dramatically changed.

The Rizzuto organization's dominance was repeatedly challenged, with Lorenzo Giordano, a close associate of Del Balso during Project Colisée, being killed in 2016. Informants testified that Giordano's murder was ordered by the Scoppa brothers as part of a conflict between Sicilian and Calabrian factions within the Montreal Mafia.

Del Balso's life was constantly under threat following Giordano's murder. In 2017, a man stormed into Del Balso's home in Laval, threatening his family and demanding to know his whereabouts. Del Balso removed his GPS locating device, fearing that whoever wanted him dead had found a way to use it against him. This decision resulted in the revocation of his statutory release.

Despite ongoing security concerns, Del Balso faced difficulty meeting with his parole officer due to fears for his safety. The parole board allowed only one meeting at a Correctional Service Canada office, highlighting the continued instability within the Montreal Mafia.

The danger surrounding Del Balso became even more evident in recent years. His Lexus was targeted in a shooting near his home in Laval, and it is believed that another individual was mistakenly targeted at an SAQ outlet in Laval, with the intention of killing Del Balso. Furthermore, Leonardo Rizzuto narrowly escaped an assassination attempt when his car was riddled with bullets.

In light of these events, Del Balso's attempted flight to Italy raised suspicions. Although he was released without charges, his arrest was reportedly linked to the investigation into the attack on Rizzuto. The timing of his arrest also coincided with the search of his home and the homes of three Hells Angels members by the National Organized Crime Repression Squad, who were investigating alleged drug trafficking.

The violent demise of Francesco Del Balso serves as a stark reminder that the power struggle within the Montreal Mafia is far from over. The death of Vito Rizzuto left a void that has provoked continued violence and discord among various factions. Del Balso's ambition to carve out a larger role for himself ultimately led to his untimely end. As the Montreal Mafia continues to grapple with internal conflicts, its future remains uncertain.