In the landscape of true crime and American legal history, few names evoke as much curiosity and controversy as the Capano family. While much public attention was drawn to Thomas Capano in the 1996 murder of Anne Marie Fahey, another figure became connected to the case—Gerry Capano, Thomas’s brother. As the years passed and information faded from the headlines, public interest reignited with a recurring question: Is Gerry Capano still alive?
This article explores the latest updates on Gerry Capano, verifies his current status, and revisits his connection to one of Delaware’s most infamous criminal cases. Through verified facts and structured storytelling, we aim to offer a comprehensive overview of his life, legacy, and the facts behind the speculation.
Is Gerry Capano Still Alive in 2025?
No, Gerry Capano is not alive as of 2025. He passed away on March 16, 2025, at the age of 79. His death occurred in Powell, Wyoming, where he had been residing during the latter years of his life. The confirmation of his passing ended longstanding rumors and online speculation that had circulated about his whereabouts and condition.
A private funeral service was held for him, with military honors recognizing his past service. He was laid to rest at Crown Hill Cemetery, bringing a final chapter to a life that had drawn both public scrutiny and private admiration, depending on one’s perspective of his involvement in his brother’s criminal case.
Who Was Gerry Capano?
Gerald “Gerry” Capano was born in 1945 into the prominent Capano family of Delaware. He was one of several brothers, including Thomas Capano, a politically connected attorney and former state prosecutor. While Gerry himself did not hold political office, he was known locally for his involvement in business and, more prominently, for his deep passion for drag racing.
Throughout his life, Gerry remained closely tied to the motorsports community, especially within the Corvette Pro Mod racing scene. His racing team, often associated with the “Split Racing” brand, became a recognized name in regional racing circuits.
However, his life took a dramatic and dark turn in 1996, when he became unintentionally involved in one of the most shocking murder cases in Delaware history.
Connection to the 1996 Anne Marie Fahey Case
In June 1996, Anne Marie Fahey, a scheduling secretary for then-Governor Tom Carper of Delaware, disappeared under mysterious circumstances. The investigation quickly led to Thomas Capano, who had been romantically involved with Fahey. Months later, after intense investigative work and growing public attention, Thomas was arrested and later convicted of her murder.
Gerry Capano’s involvement came not as a perpetrator, but as someone who assisted his brother in disposing of Fahey’s body. According to testimony and investigative reports, Gerry was approached by Thomas for help in taking the body out to sea using his boat. Although reluctant, Gerry ultimately agreed to help under what he claimed was duress and emotional pressure from his brother.
He admitted to transporting a large cooler, allegedly containing the body, and dumping it into the Atlantic Ocean. This act became a pivotal moment in the case, further solidifying the prosecution’s argument of premeditation and concealment by Thomas Capano.
Legal Standing and Cooperation with Authorities
Despite his involvement in the disposal of evidence, Gerry Capano was never charged as a co-defendant in the murder case. Instead, he cooperated with investigators and prosecutors during the trial, providing detailed information about the events that followed Anne Marie Fahey’s death.
His cooperation played a significant role in helping law enforcement reconstruct the events and secure a conviction against Thomas. While some in the public criticized him for participating in the disposal, others viewed him as a man caught in an impossible situation—torn between familial loyalty and moral responsibility.
Ultimately, Gerry was not prosecuted, likely due to his cooperation and the fact that the focus of the case remained squarely on Thomas as the orchestrator of the crime.
Life After the Trial
Following the high-profile trial and conviction of his brother, Gerry Capano retreated from the public eye. He moved away from Delaware and eventually settled in Wyoming, where he lived a relatively quiet life. During this time, he returned to his passion for drag racing and remained connected to the motorsports community.
Friends and acquaintances described him as private but devoted to his hobbies. He was involved in mechanical design, car restoration, and local racing events, though he kept a low public profile in terms of media attention. In interviews given during the early 2000s, he expressed regret about his role in the case but maintained that he did not participate in the actual crime.
Gerry’s years in Wyoming were marked by a desire to live peacefully, far from the headlines that once defined his identity in the public eye.
The End of a Complicated Life
Gerry Capano passed away in March 2025 at the age of 79. According to those close to him, he died at home surrounded by family. Military honors were performed in his memory, reflecting a lesser-known aspect of his life—his earlier service in the armed forces.
His death prompted a renewed wave of public interest, especially among those who had followed the Capano case closely for decades. While his name is permanently tied to a tragic event, those who knew him also remember him as a skilled craftsman, an auto enthusiast, and a brother who made a terrible decision under complex circumstances.
His life was undoubtedly marked by one major incident, but it also reflected a quieter reality of a man trying to find peace after chaos.
Legacy and Public Perception
Gerry Capano’s legacy is complicated. While he was never accused of murder, his assistance in the concealment of Anne Marie Fahey’s body cannot be overlooked. To many, this was an act that obstructed justice, even if done under pressure. To others, his eventual cooperation helped bring closure to a painful case.
He remains a figure often cited in discussions about legal ethics, familial influence, and the psychological dynamics of aiding in criminal cover-ups. His life serves as a reminder that the ripple effects of a crime often extend beyond the direct perpetrator, impacting those who get drawn into its orbit.
FAQs About Gerry Capano
Is Gerry Capano still alive in 2025?
No, Gerry Capano passed away on March 16, 2025, at the age of 79.
What was his involvement in the Anne Marie Fahey case?
He assisted his brother, Thomas Capano, in disposing of the victim’s body by transporting it offshore and dumping it into the ocean.
Was Gerry Capano ever charged?
No, he was not criminally charged but cooperated with law enforcement and testified during the trial.
What did he do after the trial?
He moved to Wyoming, remained active in drag racing, and lived a private life away from media attention.
How is he remembered today?
Gerry Capano is remembered for his complicated role in a major criminal case and for his quieter life afterward in the world of motorsports.
Final Thoughts
The story of Gerry Capano is not one of heroism or villainy, but of human complexity. He was not the central figure in a murder, but his role in the aftermath left a lasting impact. His actions, and the choices he made in a moment of family crisis, continue to be debated today.
With his death in 2025, the public closes another chapter on a case that captivated and horrified many. His life serves as a cautionary tale about the unintended consequences of loyalty and the weight of involvement in crimes, even indirectly.