AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
CrimeJun 30, 2017
Well-Known Jeweler Helped Cover Up Murder, Lawsuit Says
Jeffrey Rackover, a “jeweler to the stars” who operates out of New York’s Diamond District, is facing a civil suit for his alleged connection to a Manhattan murder.
New York--A New York-based jeweler known for crafting high-end diamond jewelry for a celebrity clientele is facing a civil lawsuit for allegedly helping to cover up a murder.
Filed Sunday in New York Supreme Court by Patsy Comunale, the father of the victim, the suit seeks unspecified damages against Jeffrey Rackover, 57, for allegedly aiding 26-year-old James Rackover--who has been publicly referred to both as Jeffrey’s adopted son and as a man with whom he had a romantic relationship and supported financially--following the murder of Joseph Comunale.
Jeffrey Rackover operates a business in New York’s Diamond District and has gained a reputation as a “jeweler to the stars,” with a list of past clients that includes Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Lopez and journalist Katie Couric. In 2004, People magazine wrote about Rackover, who at the time was the vice president of Graff Diamonds, designing an engagement ring for a famous bride-to-be--Melania Trump.
On Friday morning, Jeffrey Rackover’s attorney, John J. Rosenberg, issued the following statement on behalf of his client: “It is difficult to imagine the pain that Mr. Comunale must be experiencing, but the fact is that Jeffrey Rackover had absolutely nothing to do with these tragic events. Mr. Rackover has no desire to litigate this matter in the press and he looks forward to his total vindication when the actual facts are revealed during the course of the court proceedings.”
The crime at the center of the civil case against him took place in the early morning hours of Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016.
According to the New York District Attorney’s Office, the 26-year-old Comunale, of Stamford, Connecticut, was repeatedly stabbed inside James Rackover’s Manhattan apartment following a party that also was attended by 28-year-old Lawrence Dilione and Max Gemma, 29.
At about 9:45 p.m. that night, the DA’s office says that James Rackover and Dilione drove Comunale’s body, which also had been burned, from Manhattan to Oceanport, New Jersey, where they buried it in a shallow ditch.
Comunale’s body was discovered by police three days later.
Filed Sunday in New York Supreme Court by Patsy Comunale, the father of the victim, the suit seeks unspecified damages against Jeffrey Rackover, 57, for allegedly aiding 26-year-old James Rackover--who has been publicly referred to both as Jeffrey’s adopted son and as a man with whom he had a romantic relationship and supported financially--following the murder of Joseph Comunale.
Jeffrey Rackover operates a business in New York’s Diamond District and has gained a reputation as a “jeweler to the stars,” with a list of past clients that includes Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Lopez and journalist Katie Couric. In 2004, People magazine wrote about Rackover, who at the time was the vice president of Graff Diamonds, designing an engagement ring for a famous bride-to-be--Melania Trump.
On Friday morning, Jeffrey Rackover’s attorney, John J. Rosenberg, issued the following statement on behalf of his client: “It is difficult to imagine the pain that Mr. Comunale must be experiencing, but the fact is that Jeffrey Rackover had absolutely nothing to do with these tragic events. Mr. Rackover has no desire to litigate this matter in the press and he looks forward to his total vindication when the actual facts are revealed during the course of the court proceedings.”
The crime at the center of the civil case against him took place in the early morning hours of Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016.
According to the New York District Attorney’s Office, the 26-year-old Comunale, of Stamford, Connecticut, was repeatedly stabbed inside James Rackover’s Manhattan apartment following a party that also was attended by 28-year-old Lawrence Dilione and Max Gemma, 29.
At about 9:45 p.m. that night, the DA’s office says that James Rackover and Dilione drove Comunale’s body, which also had been burned, from Manhattan to Oceanport, New Jersey, where they buried it in a shallow ditch.
Comunale’s body was discovered by police three days later.
James Rackover--who was born James Beaudoin but legally changed his name to Rackover after meeting Jeffrey--and Dilione were indicted in May on charges of second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse. The two men, along with Gemma, also face one count each of hindering prosecution and evidence tampering.
Jeffrey Rackover has not been charged in the case and publicly disavowed James Rackover shortly after his arrest.
Through his spokesperson Bo Dietl, a former NYPD detective who’s also running for mayor of New York City, Jeffrey Rackover also issued a public statement confirming that he did go into James’s apartment on the Sunday morning the murder took place to walk his dog but “had not noticed anything wrong,” the lawsuit states.
However, the lawsuit counters that the apartment smelled like cleaning chemicals and “the stench of death” and “was in disarray” with “blood stains visible in various locations.”
The lawsuit also claims that it was Jeffrey Rackover who gave James Rackover the cleaning supplies used to sanitize the murder scene and allowed James and Dilione to use his black Mercedes-Benz to transport and dispose of Comunale’s body.
There are two causes of action in the civil suit.
The first is violation of the right of sepulcher--the right to choose and control the final disposition of a dead human body, which, the lawsuit claims, Jeffrey Rackover prevented Pat Comunale from doing for his son Joseph by aiding in the cover-up.
The second is intentional infliction of emotional distress.
As mentioned, Jeffrey Rackover does not currently face any criminal charges in the case, though Pat Comunale’s attorney, Robert Abrams, told the Stamford Advocate that he’s confident the civil suit will result in such charges.
The Advocate quoted Abrams as saying: “We’re not going to stop until we’re comfortable and convinced that everybody who was involved in the murder of Joey and the cover-up that followed is held accountable both criminally and civilly.”
The New York District Attorney’s Office said Thursday that it cannot comment regarding potential additional charges in the criminal case, as it is open and pending.
The next scheduled court date is Aug. 1.
More on Crime
The Latest
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
