Martin Krugman: A Close Call

Martin Krugman, a bookmaker with a penchant for annoying his associates, became a target in the aftermath of a major robbery. According to Henry Hill, a mobster turned informant, Krugman was next on the hit list of the notorious gangster Jimmy Burke. The plot to kill Krugman was planned for the Tuesday night following the infamous Lufthansa heist, a record-breaking robbery at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport in 1978.

The Setup

Hill's role in the planned murder was crucial. Burke instructed Hill to lure Krugman to the Riviera Motel under the pretense of meeting some girls. There, mobsters Thomas DeSimone and Angelo Sepe would ambush Krugman and murder him in the parking lot. This plan, however, placed Hill in a precarious position. He and his wife Karen were close friends with Krugman and his wife Fran, making the task emotionally challenging for Hill.

Hill's Dilemma

Henry Hill was deeply conflicted about setting up Krugman for the hit. Despite Krugman's annoying tendencies, Hill valued their friendship and was reluctant to facilitate his murder. Throughout the day, Hill searched for excuses and alternatives to keep Krugman alive, stalling the inevitable confrontation. His moral and emotional turmoil highlighted the complexities and dangers of life within the mob, where loyalty and friendship were often at odds with survival and obedience to higher-ranking members.

The Last-Minute Reprieve

In a surprising turn of events, just hours before the planned murder, Burke called off the hit. Turning to Hill, he simply said, "Forget about tonight." This unexpected reprieve was a significant relief for Hill, who had been dreading the task. The reasons behind Burke's decision to cancel the hit remain unclear, but it spared Hill from betraying a friend and committing another murder for the mob.

The Aftermath

Despite the temporary stay of execution, Martin Krugman's fate remained uncertain. His survival that night did not guarantee his safety in the long run. The world of organized crime is notoriously unstable, and individuals who become liabilities often meet violent ends. Krugman's reprieve may have been short-lived, as mobsters like Burke were known for their ruthlessness and unpredictability.

The Legacy of the Lufthansa Heist

The Lufthansa heist, orchestrated by Burke, was one of the most significant robberies in American history, with an estimated $5 million in cash and $875,000 in jewelry stolen. The heist's success, however, led to a series of murders as Burke sought to eliminate anyone who might implicate him or threaten his share of the loot. Hill's account of the planned murder of Krugman is just one example of the brutal measures taken to maintain control and silence potential informants.

Henry Hill's Testimony

Hill's decision to become an informant and cooperate with law enforcement provided invaluable insight into the inner workings of the mob. His testimony was instrumental in numerous convictions, including those related to the Lufthansa heist. Hill's accounts, including the story of the planned hit on Krugman, revealed the brutal reality of mob life and the constant threat of violence that hung over every member.

Conclusion

The story of Martin Krugman's near-death experience is a chilling reminder of the dangers faced by those involved in organized crime. The brief reprieve granted to Krugman by Jimmy Burke's last-minute change of heart highlights the unpredictable and perilous nature of life within the mob. Henry Hill's struggle with the moral implications of his role in the planned murder underscores the complex human emotions and ethical dilemmas that even hardened criminals face.

While Krugman managed to avoid death that fateful night, his story is a testament to the precariousness of alliances and friendships in the world of organized crime. Ultimately, Hill's later cooperation with authorities and his testimony about events like these helped to dismantle parts of the mob's operations, providing a clearer picture of the dark and violent underbelly of the criminal underworld.