Frank Nitti: The Enforcer's Downfall - Suicide & Chicago Outfit
Was it the pressure, the fear, or something else entirely that drove Frank Nitti, one of Chicago's most notorious mob bosses, to take his own life? On March 19, 1943, in a chilling act of finality, Nitti ended his life on an Illinois Central Railroad branch line, leaving behind a legacy shrouded in both power and despair.
The tragic event, which unfolded on that fateful day in 1943, marked a pivotal moment in the annals of American organized crime. Nitti, who had inherited the reins of the Chicago Outfit from the infamous Al Capone, was facing mounting legal troubles. Indicted on extortion charges, the looming prospect of prison time, compounded by his well-known claustrophobia, seemingly became an insurmountable burden. The coroner's jury, in its ruling the following day, attributed his death to suicide, citing temporary insanity and a despondent state of mind.
Here's a glimpse into the life and times of Frank Nitti:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Francesco Raffaele Nitto (also known as Frank Nitti) |
| Born | January 27, 1886, Campania, Italy (Sources vary on birth year; some suggest 1883 or 1888) |
| Died | March 19, 1943, North Riverside, Illinois (Suicide by gunshot) |
| Aliases | "The Enforcer" |
| Known For | Chief enforcer for Al Capone and later the leader of the Chicago Outfit |
| Criminal Activities | Racketeering, extortion, bootlegging, murder |
| Early Life | Emigrated to the United States, worked as a barber, involved in petty crime |
| Association with Capone | Joined Al Capone's gang around 1920, quickly rose through the ranks |
| Leadership of the Chicago Outfit | Became the leader after Capone went to prison in 1931 |
| Death Circumstances | Committed suicide by gunshot to avoid prison time on extortion charges |
| Burial | Mount Carmel Cemetery, Hillside, Illinois |
| Reference | Wikipedia - Frank Nitti |
The story of Frank Nitti is one of ascent, power, and ultimately, a desperate end. Born Francesco Raffaele Nitto in Campania, Italy, in 1886 (though some records vary on the exact year), he later emigrated to the United States after World War I. Starting with humble beginnings, including a brief stint as a barber, Nitti soon found himself drawn to the allure of the criminal underworld.
His association with Al Capone marked a turning point. Nitti quickly proved his mettle, becoming Capone's chief enforcer, a role that earned him the ominous nickname "The Enforcer." His ruthlessness and loyalty cemented his position within the organization, and he climbed the ranks with impressive speed. Nitti's skills extended beyond violence; he was also adept at the business side of the operation, particularly in the realms of extortion and racketeering.
In 1931, when Capone was sent to prison on tax evasion charges, Nitti stepped up to inherit the leadership of the Chicago Outfit. However, the transition was not without its challenges. While Nitti was a formidable figure, there is ongoing debate about the extent of his true authority. Some historians suggest that he was more of a figurehead, with other powerful figures in the organization holding the reins of power behind the scenes.
The incident of December 19, 1932, offers a particularly vivid example of Nittis life and the dangers surrounding him. A team of Chicago police officers, including Detective Sergeants Harry Lang and Harry Miller, raided Nittis office at 221 N. Wells Street, room 554. Entering the office, Lang fired immediately, striking Nitti three times in the back and neck. Nitti managed to survive the assassination attempt, but the incident left a lasting mark.
The events leading up to Nitti's death in 1943 are intertwined with the constant threat of legal repercussions. The pressure mounted as the authorities closed in. Facing indictment on extortion charges, with the very real possibility of lengthy prison time, Nitti made a fateful decision. He chose self-inflicted death over a trial. On March 19, 1943, he walked to an Illinois Central Railroad branch line in North Riverside, Illinois, and took his own life with a gunshot to the head.
The decision of Nitti to end his life sent shockwaves through the criminal world. It was a moment of seismic shift, not only for the Chicago Outfit, but for the way organized crime functioned. His suicide, in its own tragic way, signaled the beginning of a new chapter, as other figures within the syndicate vied for control of the lucrative criminal empire.
The controversy surrounding the circumstances of Nitti's death continues to this day. While the coroner's jury ruled it a suicide, some question whether other factors may have played a role. Conspiracy theories and speculations regarding the actual power dynamics within the Chicago Outfit have continued to fuel public interest in Nittis demise.
Adding to the complex narrative is the story of Edward "Easy Eddie" O'Hare, the reputed front man for the Capone syndicate, whose life was also marked by tragedy. O'Hare was slain by shotgun assassins on November 8, 1939. Nitti's connection to O'Hare, coupled with the various betrayals and internal power struggles that were common within the Chicago Outfit, adds another layer of depth to the story. The network of those close to Nitti and his affiliations creates an environment of doubt, where trust was a liability and survival was an ever-present concern.
Nitti's legacy has remained a subject of fascination for decades. His name frequently surfaces in discussions of the Chicago Outfit and the history of organized crime in America. The numerous books, films, and television programs that have touched upon his life attest to his enduring allure. For those interested in delving deeper into the story of Frank Nitti, the story of organized crime in America, the historical details and the rumors of his ghost haunting the railroad tracks, the life and death of "The Enforcer" offer a captivating glimpse into the shadows of the American past.
The lingering questions and mysteries, the whispers of corruption, and the tragic circumstances of his death all contribute to the unique place Frank Nitti holds in the annals of criminal history. His story is a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of power, the fragility of life, and the enduring allure of the dark side of human nature.
