They shot and killed the president of the rival Outlaws motorcycle club at the intersection of Suncoast Parkway and State Road 54 during rush hour, according to the U.S. attorney.

TAMPA – Two members of a motorcycle gang were sentenced to life in federal prison in connection with the murder of the leader of a rival gang, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida said.

Christopher Brian Cosimano, a/k/a “Durty,” 31, of Gibsonton,  and Michael Dominick Mencher, a/k/a “Pumpkin,” 53, of Tarpon Springs, were sentenced to life in federal prison plus10 years, and life in prison plus five years, respectively, for conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, murder in aid of racketeering, and related firearms offenses. A federal jury found Cosimano and Mencher guilty Aug. 12.

Cosimano and Mencher were indicted May 22, 2018, along with three co-defendants who later pleaded guilty, (Click here and here for related stories.)

According to testimony and court documents, Cosimano and Mencher were members of the 69’ers Motorcycle Club, a criminal organization engaged in acts of violence and narcotics distribution.

In 2017, the 69’ers Motorcycle Club was entangled in an increasingly violent feud with the Outlaws Motorcycle Club. The feud escalated, culminating with the murder of Paul Anderson, president of the Cross Bayou Chapter of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, on Dec. 21, 2017.

On that date, Cosimano, Mencher, and their three co-defendants stalked Anderson for several miles down the Suncoast Parkway. Cosimano and Mencher rode their motorcycles with their faces covered and license plates obscured.

After following Anderson for miles, Cosimano and Mencher pulled alongside his truck and shot him repeatedly at the intersection of Suncoast Parkway and State Road 54 during rush hour. After the murder, the defendants took steps to cover up the crime, including removing identifying markings from and disassembling their motorcycles.

Photo shows Christopher Brian Cosimano, left, and Michael Dominick Mencher.

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