How Old Was Machine Gun Jack McGurn When He Died?
Machine Gun Jack McGurn was a notorious Irish-American gangster and key figure in the Chicago Outfit, a powerful Mafia organization. Born on July 2, 1903, McGurn lived a life of crime and violence, earning him both infamy and admiration in equal measure. In this article, we will examine McGurn’s life, crimes, and ultimately, how old he was when he died.
Early Life and Career
Born Giovanni Scaduto in Bartulis, Sicily, Italy, McGurn immigrated to the United States with his family as a young child. Growing up on the mean streets of Chicago’s south side, McGurn’s early life was marked by poverty, crime, and violence. He joined his first gang at the age of 14 and became a member of the infamous Seven McDonalds Gang, participating in various crimes such as robbery, burglary, and murder.
The Sacco and Vanzetti Affair
In the 1920s, McGurn became involved with the Chicago Outfit and began working closely with fellow gangster Al Capone. During this period, McGurn played a key role in the Sacco and Vanzetti affair. Sacco and Vanzetti were two anarchists accused of robbing and killing a security guard and his companion during a streetcar hold-up in Bristol, Massachusetts. After being arrested, tried, and convicted, Sacco and Vanzetti became symbols of left-wing anarchism and anti-capitalism, leading to widespread protest and international attention.
To quell the growing social unrest, McGurn helped orchestrate a campaign of violence and intimidation against socialists, communists, and other left-wing political activists in Chicago. He and his associates targeted meetings, rallies, and organizations, using violence and brutal suppression to silence dissent and maintain control.
Al Capone’s Right-Hand Man
By the late 1920s, McGurn had cemented his position as Capone’s right-hand man, playing a key role in the infamous Prohibition era of the 1920s and 1930s. During his tenure with the Chicago Outfit, McGurn is estimated to have committed a minimum of 12 killings. His nickname, "Machine Gun Jack", came from his expertise with firearms and his willingness to use violence to get his way.
Murder of Joe Howard
One of McGurn’s most notorious crimes was the murder of Joe Howard in 1927. Howard, a wealthy playboy and nightclub owner, was allegedly involved in illicit activities with McGurn, leading to a bitter rift between the two. Following a confrontation at a lavish party, McGurn fatally shot Howard, highlighting the violent and erratic nature of his criminal underworld.
Arrest and Death
On August 17, 1929, McGurn married Helen Exarhos at St. George’s Romanian Catholic Church in Chicago, with Al Capone and other prominent gangsters attending the ceremony. Seven days later, on August 24, 1929, McGurn reported to the FBI headquarters with a bottle of wine in his hand, stating: "I want to talk to the G-Man, and I want him to take a drink to my health." Minutes later, McGurn passed away at the age of 26 due to kidney disease and pneumonia, supposedly due to a case of influenza that had afflicted him for several weeks previously.
Conclusion
Machine Gun Jack McGurn left a lasting impact on organized crime in Chicago and its surrounding areas. Hailing from a life marked by violence, crime, and social unrest, his brutal methods and ruthlessness helped shape the contours of the city’s dark underworld. In memoriam, McGurn passed away at the age of 26, a remarkable life marked by crime and controversy.
Comparison of Machine Gun Jack’s Age and Life
| Machine Gun Jack’s Life | |
|---|---|
| Age: | 26 |
| Early Life: | Started committing crimes at 14 and became a gang member |
| Career: | Member of the Chicago Outfit, right-hand man to Al Capone, estimated 12 killings |
In conclusion, Machine Gun Jack McGurn’s brief yet notorious life serves as a testament to the chaotic and violent world of early 20th-century organized crime. His tale of crime, violence, and early demise forever etches his name alongside other infamous gangsters like Al Capone and other infamous crime bosses. Despite his relatively short life, McGurn’s impact remains, forever cementing his place in the annals of Chicago’s dark, yet fascinating, criminal underbelly.
