Murder Inc. | The Secret Muscle of the New York Mafia
Crimehub: A True Crime Podcast
Deep Dive
What was the primary purpose of Murder Inc. in the New York Mafia?
Murder Inc. served as the enforcement arm of the Mafia, carrying out hits on rogue mobsters, rival gang members, informants, and anyone who crossed Cosa Nostra. They operated under strict rules and only acted with permission from top mob leaders.
How many murders are estimated to have been carried out by Murder Inc.?
Murder Inc. is believed to have killed between 500 and 1,000 people during its reign from 1929 to 1941.
Who were the key leaders of Murder Inc. and what were their backgrounds?
Louis 'Lepke' Buchalter and Albert 'Mad Hatter' Anastasia led Murder Inc. Lepke was a Jewish-American gangster who rose through the ranks by controlling labor unions, while Anastasia was an Italian immigrant known for his violent temper and loyalty to the mob.
What was the significance of the Atlantic City meeting in 1929?
The Atlantic City meeting marked the formation of the National Crime Syndicate, where mob leaders agreed to work together after Prohibition ended. It also officially established Murder Inc. as a non-partisan, third-party enforcement arm to maintain order and avoid gang wars.
Why did the mob leaders decide to create a separate enforcement group like Murder Inc.?
Mob leaders wanted a non-biased, third-party group to handle violence and maintain order. This approach limited collateral damage and kept the focus on internal disputes rather than attracting government attention.
What was the code of conduct for Murder Inc. hitmen?
Murder Inc. hitmen were only allowed to kill for pressing business reasons, and targets were typically within the criminal underworld. They avoided killing prosecutors, reporters, or politicians to minimize heat. Contracts had to be approved by upper management, and hitmen were rarely paid per kill but received monthly retainers.
Who were some of the most prolific killers in Murder Inc.?
Prominent killers included Abraham 'Kid Twist' Relis, Frank 'Dasher' Abadando, and Harry 'Pittsburgh Phil' Strauss. Relis was known for his ice pick murders, Abadando for his speed and efficiency, and Strauss for his brutality and high kill count.
How did Murder Inc. eventually fall apart?
Murder Inc. began to crumble when key members, like Abe 'Kid Twist' Relis, turned informant under pressure from law enforcement. Relis' testimony led to the arrest and execution of several top members, including Louis 'Lepke' Buchalter and Harry 'Pittsburgh Phil' Strauss.
What was the role of Special Prosecutor Thomas Dewey in dismantling Murder Inc.?
Thomas Dewey led a task force targeting mob figures, starting with Dutch Schultz. After Schultz's murder, Dewey focused on Lucky Luciano and other key figures, eventually leading to the arrest and conviction of several Murder Inc. members, including Lepke and Strauss.
How did Murder Inc. influence World War II and Nazi propaganda?
A U.S. bomber pilot named Kenneth Daniel Williams unintentionally brought the name 'Murder Inc.' to Europe when he stitched it onto his flight jacket. The Nazis used this to portray American pilots as gangsters, leading to propaganda headlines about 'American Air Gangsters.'
- Murder Inc. operated out of a candy shop in Brownsville, Brooklyn
- The group was responsible for hundreds of murders
- Murder Inc. was comprised of members from both Jewish and Italian mafias
- The organization's downfall was due to internal conflicts and betrayals
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