Prosecutor - Not enough evidence in Hoffa case

PONTIAC, Mich. -- New DNA evidence in the disappearance of ex-Teamsters boss Jimmy Hoffa 27 years ago is insufficient to bring state criminal charges, a prosecutor said Thursday.

"Unfortunately, this has the markings of a great 'whodunit' novel without the final chapter," Oakland County Prosecutor David Gorcyca said.

Hoffa, father of current Teamsters President James P. Hoffa, disappeared from the parking lot of the Machus Red Fox restaurant in Oakland County's Bloomfield Township in July 1975. He was 62.

Gorcyca reviewed a summary of the federal investigation of Hoffa's suspected slaying. The FBI had in March referred findings from its probe to county prosecutors for possible state charges. The agency said no federal charges were planned in what it called a continuing investigation.

"We concurred that there is insufficient evidence to authorize the issuance of warrants at this time," Gorcyca said Thursday.

But he said the prime suspect remains Charles O'Brien, a former Hoffa friend. O'Brien has denied any involvement in Hoffa's disappearance.

FBI scientists used new technology to match the DNA from Hoffa's hair with that of a strand of hair found in a vehicle driven by O'Brien on the last day Hoffa was seen alive.

O'Brien told investigators in 1975 he borrowed the car, owned by the son of reputed Mafia figure Anthony Giacalone, to deliver a frozen salmon to the home of Robert Holmes, then president of Teamsters Local 337.

The delivery put O'Brien in the area near the restaurant, where Hoffa was supposed to meet with Giacalone and New Jersey Teamsters boss and underworld associate Anthony Provenzano.

Investigators believe Hoffa was picked up outside the restaurant and killed. Hoffa's family has said that only a close friend, such as O'Brien, could have persuaded Hoffa to get in the car.

"Obviously, I wish the Hoffa family continued condolences, but closure to their father's disappearance will have to wait another day," Gorcyca said.