Sal Gabrini: A Love and War Saga Spanning Decades

Early Life and Criminal Beginnings

Salvatore "Sal" Gabrini was born in the Little Italy neighborhood of New York City in 1912. His father was a respected businessman, while his mother hailed from a Sicilian immigrant family. Gabrini displayed a rebellious streak from a young age, often getting into trouble with the law.

Sal Gabrini: Love And War (Sal Gabrini Series Book 9)

by Mallory Monroe

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
File size	:	605 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	328 pages
Paperback	:	102 pages
Item Weight	:	7.4 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.23 x 9 inches

FREE

In his late teens, Gabrini joined the Lucchese crime family, one of New York's most powerful criminal organizations. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a trusted lieutenant to boss Tommy Lucchese. Gabrini's ruthless tactics and unwavering loyalty earned him a reputation as a fearsome enforcer.

The Murder of Vincent Coll

In 1931, Gabrini was involved in one of the most sensational crimes of the era: the murder of mobster Vincent Coll. Coll, known as "Mad Dog," had become a thorn in the side of the Lucchese family. Gabrini was tasked with eliminating him.

On the night of February 8, 1931, Gabrini and two accomplices lured Coll to a phone booth in the lobby of a Times Square office building. As Coll answered the phone, Gabrini shot him in the head at point-blank range. The killing sent shockwaves through the underworld and made Gabrini a national figure.

The Castellammarese War

In the mid-1930s, the Lucchese family became embroiled in the Castellammarese War, a bloody conflict between two rival factions within the Mafia. Gabrini played a key role in the war, leading a squad of hitmen known as the "Murder Incorporated."

The Castellammarese War was a bloody affair, resulting in the deaths of dozens of mobsters on both sides. Gabrini's ruthless tactics brought him notoriety and made him a feared figure in the underworld.

The Trial of Lepke Buchalter

In 1940, Gabrini was arrested along with other members of Murder Incorporated. He was charged with the murder of several mobsters, including Albert Anastasia and Dutch Schultz. The trial was a media circus, with Gabrini's flamboyant personality drawing the attention of the public.

Despite overwhelming evidence against him, Gabrini refused to cooperate with the prosecution. He maintained his innocence throughout the trial, even taking the stand in his own defense. In a dramatic moment, Gabrini declared, "I would rather die on my feet than live on my knees."

Imprisonment and Later Life

Gabrini was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. However, his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment after he agreed to testify against other members of Murder Incorporated. Gabrini spent the rest of his life in prison, where he became a model prisoner and earned a reputation for being a respected elder statesman of the underworld.

Sal Gabrini died in a New York State prison in 1990 at the age of 78. He was survived by his wife, two children, and numerous grandchildren.

Legacy and Impact

Sal Gabrini was a complex and controversial figure. He was a ruthless killer who instilled fear in his enemies, yet he was also a loyal friend and a devoted family man. His involvement in some of the most notorious events of the 20th century left an indelible mark on the history of organized crime in America.

Gabrini's legacy is both fascinating and disturbing. He was a symbol of both the power and the brutality of the Mafia. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the corrupting influence of violence.

Sal Gabrini: Love And War (Sal Gabrini Series Book 9)

by Mallory Monroe

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
File size	:	605 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	328 pages
Paperback	:	102 pages
Item Weight	:	7.4 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.23 x 9 inches

FREE