Co-owner of L&B Spumoni Gardens shot dead

NEW YORK (FOX5NY) - The co-owner of the famed L&B Spumoni Gardens restaurant in Brooklyn was shot and killed Thursday evening, police said.

Police officers found Louis Barbati, 61, shot in his torso and leg outside his home in Dyker Heights after 7 p.m. Medics responded to the scene and pronounced him dead, police said.

Police say it does not appear to be a random killing. Sources are calling it a targeted organized crime hit, but the NYPD said it could have been a botched robbery because Barbati had a large amount of cash on him.

Cops have not made any arrests. Police are searching for a gunman believed to be in his 30s and wearing a black hoodie.

Several bullet holes were visible in the fence surrounding his property.

L&B Spumoni Gardens, known for its pizza and desserts, has been in business since 1939 and has been run by the Barbati family for four generations. It is known for its Sicilian pies and has been featured on several food shows.

Some customers told Fox 5 on Friday that they were shocked by the news of Barbati's killing.