The only killers in the city

Murder, Inc., also known as the "Brownsville Boys" or the "Combination," was a notorious criminal organization that operated as the enforcement arm of the American Mafia during the 1930s and 1940s. Comprised of a group of contract killers, Murder, Inc. was responsible for carrying out numerous assassinations and acts of violence on behalf of organized crime families. While there were several notable members involved in the organization, a few individuals stood out as key hitmen behind Murder, Inc.

Abe "Kid Twist" Reles

Abe Reles, born on May 10, 1906, in Brooklyn, New York, was one of the most feared and infamous hitmen associated with Murder, Inc. Reles was a Jewish-American gangster who had a long history of criminal activities before becoming a contract killer. He was known for his agility, which earned him the nickname "Kid Twist." Reles began his criminal career as a member of a local street gang before joining the infamous Shapiro Brothers gang, led by brothers Meyer and Jacob Shapiro. It was through his association with the Shapiro Brothers that Reles became involved in contract killing. He became a trusted hitman for the organization, carrying out murders on their behalf. Reles was a ruthless and cold-blooded killer, known for his proficiency with a knife. He was responsible for numerous murders during his time with Murder, Inc. However, in 1940, Reles was arrested for murder and became a government informant. Before he could testify against his former associates, he mysteriously fell to his death from a hotel window, which many believe to be a murder orchestrated by his former partners.

Harry "Pittsburgh Phil" Strauss

Harry Strauss, born on February 28, 1909, in New York City, was another prominent hitman associated with Murder, Inc. He earned the nickname "Pittsburgh Phil" due to his origins in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Strauss was a Jewish-American gangster who became a feared contract killer. Strauss began his criminal career as a thief and gunman before joining the Shapiro Brothers gang. He quickly rose through the ranks and became a trusted member of the organization. Strauss was known for his violent nature and his preference for using firearms to carry out his hits. Strauss was involved in numerous murders on behalf of Murder, Inc., including high-profile killings such as that of Irving "Puggy" Feinstein, a gangster who betrayed the organization. However, Strauss's luck eventually ran out. In 1941, he was arrested and convicted for murder. He was executed in the electric chair at Sing Sing Prison on June 12, 1941.

Allie "Tick-Tock" Tannenbaum

Allie Tannenbaum, born on June 24, 1906, in New York City, was a Jewish-American gangster and hitman associated with Murder, Inc. He earned the nickname "Tick-Tock" due to his punctuality in carrying out murders. Tannenbaum was known for his cold-bloodedness and his ability to meticulously plan and execute hits. Tannenbaum was a close associate of Abe Reles and Harry Strauss and often worked alongside them on assassination assignments. He was involved in numerous murders, carrying out hits with precision and efficiency. Tannenbaum's involvement in Murder, Inc. made him a feared and respected figure within the criminal underworld. However, Tannenbaum's criminal activities caught up with him. In 1941, he was arrested and charged with murder. Like Reles and Strauss, Tannenbaum decided to cooperate with the authorities and became a government witness. He testified against his former associates and provided crucial information about the inner workings of Murder, Inc.

Frank "The Dasher" Abbandando

Frank Abbandando, born on February 11, 1910, in Brooklyn, New York, was an Italian-American hitman linked to Murder, Inc. He was known for his agility and quick movements, earning him the nickname "The Dasher." Abbandando was a skilled gunman who specialized in using firearms to carry out his killings. Abbandando began his criminal career as a member of the infamous Shapiro Brothers gang, alongside Abe Reles and Harry Strauss. He quickly established himself as a valuable asset to the organization due to his proficiency in executing hits. Abbandando was involved in numerous high-profile murders, including those of fellow gangsters and individuals who posed a threat to the criminal underworld. However, Abbandando's criminal activities came to an end when he was arrested in 1941. He was charged with murder and faced trial alongside other members of Murder, Inc. Despite his association with the organization, Abbandando refused to cooperate with the authorities and chose not to testify against his former associates. He was eventually convicted and executed in the electric chair at Sing Sing Prison on February 19, 1942.

Louis "Lepke" Buchalter

Louis Buchalter, born on February 6, 1897, in New York City, was not a hitman himself, but he played a significant role in the establishment and operation of Murder, Inc. Buchalter was a Jewish-American mobster and the mastermind behind the criminal organization. He was a co-founder of the National Crime Syndicate, which aimed to coordinate criminal activities among various Mafia families. Buchalter was a shrewd and calculating individual who recognized the value of a dedicated group of killers to carry out the orders of organized crime leaders. He formed alliances with other mobsters, including Jacob Shapiro and Albert Anastasia, and together they created Murder, Inc. Buchalter oversaw the organization from behind the scenes, orchestrating the assassinations and ensuring that the operation ran smoothly. In 1940, Buchalter was arrested by federal authorities on charges of murder and racketeering. He was convicted and sentenced to death. Buchalter was executed in the electric chair at Sing Sing Prison on March 4, 1944, becoming the only major organized crime boss to receive the death penalty.

Mendy Weiss

Mendy Weiss, born on January 10, 1908, in Brooklyn, New York, was a Jewish-American gangster and hitman associated with Murder, Inc. Weiss was known for his expertise in strangulation, and he was often called upon to carry out "contract killings" using this method. Weiss became involved in organized crime at a young age, working his way up through the ranks of various street gangs in Brooklyn. He eventually joined forces with the Shapiro Brothers and became a key member of Murder, Inc. Weiss was involved in numerous murders, earning a reputation for his cold-bloodedness and efficiency. In 1940, Weiss was arrested for murder and, like Abe Reles and Allie Tannenbaum, he decided to cooperate with the authorities. He provided crucial testimony that led to the downfall of several high-ranking mobsters, including Louis Buchalter. As a result of his cooperation, Weiss received a reduced sentence and was released from prison in the early 1950s.

Harry "Happy" Maione

Harry Maione, born on May 7, 1908, in Brooklyn, New York, was an Italian-American mobster and hitman connected to Murder, Inc. Maione was known for his cheerful demeanor, which earned him the nickname "Happy." However, behind his jovial façade, Maione was a ruthless and feared contract killer. Maione joined the Shapiro Brothers gang and quickly rose through the ranks due to his willingness to carry out violent acts. He became a trusted member of Murder, Inc. and participated in various assassinations on behalf of the organization. His preferred method of killing was often by gunshot. In 1940, Maione was arrested and charged with multiple murders. He faced trial alongside other members of Murder, Inc. During the trial, Maione attempted to pin the blame on his former associates, hoping to secure a lighter sentence. However, his efforts were in vain, and he was convicted and sentenced to death. Maione was executed in the electric chair at Sing Sing Prison on January 19, 1942.

Martin "Buggsy" Goldstein

Martin Goldstein, known as "Buggsy," was a Jewish-American gangster and a member of Murder, Inc. Goldstein, born on March 18, 1906, in New York City, was involved in various criminal activities, including extortion and murder. Goldstein was known for his association with Abe Reles and the Shapiro Brothers gang. He played a significant role within Murder, Inc., participating in contract killings and acts of violence on behalf of the organization. Goldstein's expertise lay in using firearms to carry out his hits. However, Goldstein's criminal activities eventually caught up with him. In 1941, he was arrested and charged with murder. During his trial, Goldstein decided to cooperate with the authorities and provided crucial information about the inner workings of Murder, Inc. His testimony was instrumental in securing convictions against other members of the organization. In exchange for his cooperation, Goldstein received a reduced sentence and was released from prison in the early 1950s.

These are just a few notable members associated with Murder, Inc. The organization had a vast network of hitmen and enforcers who operated under the direction of various mob leaders, carrying out acts of violence and murder to maintain control and protect the interests of the criminal underworld.

The Fall of Murder Inc

The downfall of Murder, Inc. can be attributed to a combination of factors, including increasing law enforcement pressure, internal conflicts, and the unraveling of the criminal organization. Here's an overview of what happened to Murder, Inc. Law enforcement agencies, particularly the newly formed Federal Bureau of Narcotics, began targeting organized crime in the 1940s. With the increased scrutiny and efforts to dismantle criminal networks, Murder, Inc. and its members came under investigation. The authorities managed to gather evidence and build cases against key figures associated with the organization. Several members of Murder, Inc., including Abe Reles, Allie Tannenbaum, and Martin Goldstein, were arrested for various crimes and chose to cooperate with law enforcement. They provided crucial information about the inner workings of the organization, leading to the indictment and conviction of numerous members.

From 1940 to 1942, a series of trials were held, resulting in the conviction of multiple Murder, Inc. members. These trials exposed the extent of the organization's activities, including contract killings and other acts of violence. Key leaders and hitmen associated with Murder, Inc., such as Louis Buchalter, Harry Maione, and Frank Abbandando, were convicted and received the death penalty. The National Crime Syndicate, which played a significant role in coordinating criminal activities among various Mafia families, began to unravel. The trials and convictions linked to Murder, Inc. led to a decline in its influence and power within the criminal underworld. Additionally, internal conflicts within the syndicate, such as the Castellammarese War, further weakened its structure. After the trials and convictions, the name "Murder, Inc." became synonymous with organized crime and the ruthlessness of the Mafia. The public exposure and disintegration of key figures associated with the organization contributed to a decline in its operations. The dismantling of Murder, Inc. marked the end of a notorious era of contract killings and violence orchestrated by a centralized enforcement arm. While the formal structure of Murder, Inc. dissolved, organized crime and the Mafia continued to operate, albeit in a more fragmented and decentralized manner. The legacy of Murder, Inc. serves as a reminder of the ruthlessness and reach of organized crime during that era.