Is Murder Inc Still Around?
What is Murder Inc?
Murder Inc was a notorious American organized crime group that was active in the 1920s and 1930s. The group was originally known as the "Yiddish underworld" and was composed of Jewish-American mobsters who operated primarily in New York City. Murder Inc was known for its brutal and efficient style of killing, earning it the nickname "The Jewish Mafia."
The Early Years
Murder Inc was formed in the early 1920s by Charles "Lucky" Luciano, a Sicilian-American mobster who is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of organized crime. Luciano had come to the United States as a child and grew up on the streets of Little Italy in Manhattan. He quickly became involved in organized crime and rose through the ranks to become one of the most powerful figures in the American Mafia.
The Kasselbaum Brothers
The Kasselbaum brothers, Benjamin "Bugsy" and Louis "Lepke" Kasselbaum, were two of the most prominent members of Murder Inc. They were known for their ruthless tactics and were responsible for many of the group’s most high-profile killings.
The Commission
Murder Inc was answerable to the "Commission," a group of high-ranking Mafia bosses who made the major decisions for the organization. The Commission was made up of some of the most powerful figures in the American Mafia, including Charles "Lucky" Luciano, Frank Costello, and Vito Genovese.
Notable Murders
Murder Inc was responsible for many of the most infamous gangland killings of the 1920s and 1930s. Some of the most notable cases include:
- The "Dutch Schultz Murder": In 1935, Murder Inc member Jacob "Gurrah" Shapiro was ordered to kill Dutch Schultz, a rival gangster. The murder was botched, and Schultz survived the initial attack. He died soon after from complications related to the shooting.
- The "Castellammarese War": In the early 1930s, Murder Inc was involved in a bitter feud with the Castellammarese, a rival Mafia faction led by Salvatore Maranzano. The war lasted for several years and resulted in the deaths of many high-ranking members of both organizations.
The Decline of Murder Inc
By the mid-1930s, Murder Inc had begun to decline. The Kasselbaum brothers had been arrested and convicted of various crimes, and the Commission had lost its grip on the organization. Many of the group’s members had either been killed or arrested, and the group was eventually disbanded.
Is Murder Inc Still Around?
So, is Murder Inc still around today? The answer is a resounding "no." The group was officially disbanded in the mid-1930s, and many of its members have either been killed or have retired from organized crime. However, the legacy of Murder Inc continues to influence the world of organized crime to this day.
Conclusion
Murder Inc was a notorious American organized crime group that was active in the 1920s and 1930s. The group was known for its brutal and efficient style of killing, earning it the nickname "The Jewish Mafia." Despite its decline and eventual disbandment, the legacy of Murder Inc continues to influence the world of organized crime to this day.
Timeline of Murder Inc’s Activities
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1920 | Murder Inc is formed by Charles "Lucky" Luciano |
| 1925 | The Kasselbaum brothers join Murder Inc |
| 1930 | The Commission is established |
| 1932 | The Castellammarese War begins |
| 1935 | The "Dutch Schultz Murder" |
| 1936 | The Kasselbaum brothers are arrested and convicted of various crimes |
| 1937 | The Commission loses its grip on the organization |
| 1938 | Murder Inc is officially disbanded |
Key Figures
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Charles "Lucky" Luciano | Founder of Murder Inc |
| Benjamin "Bugsy" Kasselbaum | Member of Murder Inc |
| Louis "Lepke" Kasselbaum | Member of Murder Inc |
| Jacob "Gurrah" Shapiro | Member of Murder Inc |
| Frank Costello | Member of the Commission |
| Vito Genovese | Member of the Commission |
| Salvatore Maranzano | Leader of the Castellammarese |
Notable Cases
| Case | Year |
|---|---|
| The "Dutch Schultz Murder" | 1935 |
| The "Castellammarese War" | 1932-1936 |
Key Stats
- Murder Inc members killed: Over 100
- Murder Inc members arrested: Over 50
- Murder Inc members convicted: Over 20
- Notable killings: Over 50
Note: The exact number of Murder Inc members killed, arrested, and convicted is difficult to determine due to the secretive nature of the organization and the lack of official records.
