DRUG THUG MAY GO ON TRIAL FOR HIS LIFE: FEDS

An alleged drug-ring kingpin could face the death penalty if convicted of
gunning down a potential witness who was set to testify against a cohort, a
federal judge revealed yesterday

If Emile Dixon goes to trial, it would be the third time in 10 years the
feds in the Eastern District seek capital punishment, prosecutors said.

Despite the seriousness of his situation, Dixon, who is in his 30s,
appeared unfazed in Brooklyn federal court yesterday - waving to his
girlfriend and toddler son, Chadeele, as defense lawyers discussed his case
with Judge Raymond Dearie and Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela Chen.

"There is probably some denial going on," his lawyer, Ephraim Savitt, said
outside of court.

Dixon, a leader of the "Patio Crew," allegedly fired a machine gun into a
car on Linden Boulevard on July 26, 2000, killing Robert Thomas and
wounding Thomas' brother.

Defense lawyers said Thomas also was a member of the Patio Crew, which
allegedly deals in crack and cocaine.

Prosecutors say Thomas was the target of an earlier murder attempt by
another ringleader, Humphrey "Fat Head" Stewart, and was poised to testify
against him. Stewart and Dixon - a father of three - both pleaded not
guilty yesterday.