How did Frank Nitti die?
This article explores the tragic demise of Frank Nitti, a prominent figure in the infamous Chicago Outfit. Known as “The Enforcer,” Nitti was the cousin and bodyguard of Al Capone, eventually taking over as acting boss.
On March 19, 1943, Nitti’s life came to a shocking end. He died by suicide, using a firearm, in a railway yard located in North Riverside, Illinois.
Stay tuned to uncover more details about Frank Nitti’s early life, rise in the Chicago Outfit, his role within the organization, and the circumstances leading up to his unfortunate demise.
Early life and rise in the Chicago Outfit
Frank Nitti, born Francesco Raffaele Nitto, was born on January 27, 1886, in Angri, Italy. At the age of seven, he and his family immigrated to the United States and settled in Brooklyn, New York. Growing up in a tough neighborhood, Nitti quickly became involved in criminal activities.
It was through his criminal connections that Nitti crossed paths with Al Capone and his brothers, who were also involved in organized crime. Recognizing Nitti’s potential, the Capones took him under their wing. In the early 1910s, Nitti relocated to Chicago, where he would become a prominent figure in the Chicago Outfit.
During his time in Chicago, Nitti became known for his involvement in the Galveston crime syndicate. He gained a reputation as a skilled smuggler and thief, notably contributing to the outfit’s illegal activities. Nitti’s rise within the organization was swift, and he soon became a trusted confidant of Al Capone.
With his connections and criminal expertise, Nitti established himself as a key player in the Chicago Outfit and played a vital role in its operations. His early life experiences and tenacity propelled him to the upper echelons of organized crime in Chicago.
Nitti’s role in the Chicago Outfit
Frank Nitti played a crucial role in the operations of the Chicago Outfit during his time with the organization. As a trusted associate of Al Capone, Nitti was responsible for overseeing the outfit’s liquor smuggling and distribution network. This involved importing whisky from Canada and distributing it through a vast network of speakeasies in Chicago.
Nitti’s ancestral connections, as he hailed from the same town as Capone, allowed him to infiltrate the Sicilian and Camorra underworld, further expanding the outfit’s influence. His shrewd business acumen and leadership skills garnered the respect and trust of his counterparts in the National Crime Syndicate.
When Capone was incarcerated, Nitti’s role within the Chicago Outfit became even more prominent. He was named a member of the triumvirate that led the mob in Capone’s absence, solidifying his position as a key figure in the organization.
Continuing the Legacy
Frank Nitti’s contributions to the Chicago Outfit helped establish its prominence in the criminal underworld. His involvement in liquor smuggling and his ability to navigate various criminal networks were instrumental in sustaining the outfit’s operations during a tumultuous period.
However, Nitti’s reign came to a tragic end. Facing indictment for extorting the Hollywood film industry and grappling with rumors of terminal cancer, Nitti attempted suicide multiple times before finally taking his own life in a railway yard. His death marked the end of an era for the Chicago Outfit, but his legacy and contributions to organized crime continue to be remembered.
Indictment and Death
In 1943, Frank Nitti found himself facing a grave situation. The high-ranking members of the Chicago Outfit, including Nitti, were indicted for their involvement in extorting money from the Hollywood film industry. The Outfit had allegedly been pressuring major movie studios to pay up to avoid union-related issues. Nitti, already burdened by the prospect of returning to prison and plagued by severe claustrophobia, faced a seemingly insurmountable dilemma.
Rumors circulated that Nitti was also suffering from terminal cancer, further adding to his desperation. With the weight of impending legal proceedings and his deteriorating health, Nitti made a fateful decision. The day before his scheduled grand jury appearance, he attempted to end his own life in a railway yard.
However, his initial attempts were unsuccessful. Despite his dire circumstances, Nitti persevered and ultimately succeeded in taking his own life by shooting himself in the head. This tragic event marked the end of an era for the Chicago Outfit, as one of its most prominent figures met a grim fate.
The demise of Frank Nitti serves as a somber reminder of the complex and often dark realities of organized crime, offering a glimpse into the personal struggles and ultimate downfall of a man who played a significant role within the infamous Chicago Outfit.
