Russell Nicholson (1931-1964) Russell Nicholson was a police officer, but also a close associate and actual member of the Winter Hill Gang. The pair were indicted again in 1996. Georges brother Bernie vowed revenge and when McLean wouldnt give up his friends, the war began. Sensing trouble, he grabbed his pistol and ran outside where he spotted two men by his family car. CBS News Boston: Free 24/7 News Forced to take the stand in front of the Massachusetts Crime Commission, Walter refused to state his present occupation. Their violent death. Wimpy enlisted in the Army on December 17, 1941 and served as a private in the Air Corps as did Walter. The Bennett Brothers vs. Everyone. He did concede however that the Bennetts had all been his informants. How we compiled the list. In 2018, he was beaten to death by another prisoner in West Virginia, the very same day that he was put into general population. Life had seemed normal enough. Wimpy was the most infamous of the trio. William OSullivan (1928-1971) OSullivan was a member of the Killeen Gang. Born and raised in the South West corner of Bay Ridge Brooklyn, by the Verrazano . They tried to hide in a basement of a local house, but were cornered and sent back to Shirley. The headline read that there was a tip that a hit had been ordered on Wimpy. As if there was a shortage of people who loathed Wimpy and wanted him dead! Bulger would soon take over the gang. That same day he was relieved of his duty as a cop. You know Dickie wasnt packing a full deck. The cops found Dickies corpse face up in the trunk after theyd towed it to the police garage. 1 Catholic Memorial; roundup/list of scores, Is the Massachusetts Gaming Commission still dragging its feet? And it gets too ugly. Just like in the other trials of the 1950s and 1960s in Boston, the Feds relied on a single witness to make their case for them. Yesterday, without a trace of doubt or hesitation, Bill Bennett Jr. identified one of those rancid G-Men as H. Paul Rico. A portion of the money we raise goes into a fund that Dana-Farber set up for our friend's oncologist, Dr. Amy Billett. he and Joseph Lewis were arrested in a basement at 335 Shawmut Ave for selling alcohol. Puchy had been in many bloody street fights. If Flemmi had been prosecuted in 1969 for the Fitzgerald bombing or the William Bennett murder, his role as an FBI informant might have been disclosed, and its legal implications might have been examined, three decades ago. Bill Bennett Jr. has never harbored any illusions about what his family was . Four days later, informant number BS-922-C stated that Stevie Flemmi and Frank Salemme had taken out Walter and Wimpy Bennett. Or was someone else responsible for their demise? A man named William Kelley did not come into the picture until 1984, when Sweet made a plea-bargain deal to testify against Kelley for being one of his hit men. Robert was a small-time hoodlum who had been arrested in June 1969 after he and three accomplices from Canada tried to rob a bank in Somerville. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he graduated from Brooklyn Preparatory School in 1957. . Back to Frankies rabbi schtick. They also lived in fear thinking something awful would happen to them, too. Salemme looks every bit his 84 years; Flemmi, whos been in prison for more than two decades, will be the same age in a few days. He eventually joined Joe Barboza and Vinnie Teresa in the newly created Witness Protection Program. Butchie Doe passed away from cancer in 2018. Consequently, there was more resignation than outrage in Bennett's voice yesterday when he learned that the government would not be charging Stevie Flemmi with the murders of his father and uncles. He ran Walters Lounge on Dudley Street and a TV repair shop, too. Theyve long believed corrupt FBI agent H. Paul Rico, now dead, protected Flemmi. But he stated that he had never revealed his sources even to his bosses. Forty one years later, the Bennett sisters still dont know what happened to their father. He later appeared in the movies Dream A Little Dream and Get Shorty. Hannon was the most feared shooter on the McLaughlin side early on. In 1954, Walter Bennett was accused of funding one such operation along with Anthony Pino and Vincent Costa of Brinks Heist fame. He violently crashed into a guardrail and died on the scene. After the shooting, word got around to McLean about his real intentions, which made Dermody a marked man. There also exists a pre-conceived notion that oral history is less reliable than written records. What started from one guy getting beat up ended up with 60 young men being murdered and hundreds more victims of the violence. Poor Kelley was convicted in 1984 and placed on death row all the while maintaining his innocence. He was convicted of involvement in 11 murders and sent to prison. He also accused the commission of asking silly questions. Another story that makes no sense! and what it wasn't. Steven Boozang, an attorney for Salemme, said in a brief interview with the assembled media outside the Moakley Federal Courthouse that Flemmi was hoping to get out of his extensive prison sentence. BENNETT BROTHERS, INC, New York NY Dermody was affiliated with the McLaughlin brothers and looking to gain traction. Kevin Two Weeks Weeks (born 1956) Kevin Weeks served as Whitey Bulgers enforcer in the 1970s and 1980s. ``As for closure, I don't even think about it anymore. His brother Walter vanished three months later in April. Related Story: The McLean vs. McLaughlin Boston Irish Gang War. Arthur Butchie Doe Jr. (1959-2018) Arthur Doe Jr., also known as Butchie was a chronic bank robber and involved in union corruption. Bennett Brothers are one of Wilmington's source providers of marine dockage in deep brackish water at Cape Fear Marina. Butchie was a regular in the Boston Herald and Boston Globe in those days. Three years later, Hugh was charged with arson in the 1955 Deer Island prison riot and sentenced to two years in East Cambridge jail. At the end of each month you'll receive an email from us about upcoming episodes, photos and excerpts from our upcoming book! Type of material Trade catalogs Trade literature Date 1900s Variant company name Chicago, IL Company Name Bennett Brothers Inc. Place New York, New York, United States Notes content Bennett Blue Books: 1939, 1941, 1950, 1951, 1955, 1960, 1968, 1972, 1974. . Can you imagine? None of the sisters has any faith in the so-called new and reformed FBI either. Joe Barboza was killing men in the war and also doing contract killings for the Patriarca Family in Providence. Hed been with the BPD for 19 years. McLeans top hitman Joe Barboza would kill both Hughes brothers the same year. Billy Stuart was indicted in February of 1970 for being an accessory after the fact in Billy Bennetts murder. In August of 1964, Buddy got a tip from notorious corrupt Boston FBI agent H. Paul Rico that Ronald Dermody was trying to kill him.Rico was so crooked that he was actually made an appointment to meet with Dermody and set him up for McLean to kill. Many of the crimes and people we'll be highlighting will be told in part from his perspective. In a prior interview two years ago, Bennett remembered the agents saying: `` `If you don't want the same thing happening to you that happened to your brothers, you'd better give us the books.' Absolutely not, said Judy Bennett Ewell. At least three sets of brothers perished in this war that has left a scar on the families and neighborhoods affected by it. in the 1955 Deer Island prison riot and sentenced to two years in East Cambridge jail. Our agency is extremely humbled to be able to own a building with a rich history. Written source materials are different in the execution of information, and that they may have additional sources. But no sign of Wimpy. Prosecutors say co-defendant Paul Weadick, who worked at The Channel, also participated in the murder. of armed robbery while masked and assault with intent to commit murder. that there was a tip that a hit had been ordered on Wimpy. Notorious killer Joe The Animal Barboza was the man who killed Connie, but he wasnt done with the Hughes brothers yet. Bennett Brothers Stone Company Business Management Mr. Greg Bennett, Manager Contact Information Principal Mr. Greg Bennett, Manager Customer Contact Mr. Gary Bennett, Owner Mr. Norman. He said he was from Mexico and left due to his brother. Hannon suffered a horrific death. Their bodies were buried in the same remote Hopkinton, Massachusetts, area after being taken to Boston's Dorchester neighborhood, Flemmi said. On January 28 the Boston Globe ran an article about Wimpys disappearance. Harold Hannon (1937-1964) Harold Hannon was an enforcer for the McLaughlin brothers in Charlestown during the 1950s and early 1960s. Buick sedan was found in Brookline a week later. Just a few days after Billy Bennett was murdered, Rico went to his home looking for documents pertaining to the activities of Wimpy and Walter, but not for the FBI, but rather to assist Stevie. But when Stephen The Rifleman Flemmi peered out at the capacity crowd in Boston federal court Wednesday to look for Francis P. Cadillac Frank Salemme who was sitting at the defense table, accused of murdering a Providence native 25 years ago Flemmi stumbled. The only visit they recall from law enforcement, in fact, was from another corrupt FBI agent, John Connolly, who they said tried to convince the family that the Angiulos, Italian mobsters, killed all three brothers. He eventually joined Joe Barboza and Vinnie Teresa in the newly created Witness Protection Program. After he died, the job went to close associate Howie Winter, who was later succeeded by James Whitey Bulger. He became the leader of Bostons Winter Hill Gang. The Hughes brothers were responsible for the majority of the killings coming from the McLaughlin side of the war. Bullets over Beantown: Who killed the Bennett Brothers? Bodies were being found in the streets on a weekly basis at this time around Boston. There was, for example, the Bennett brothers. What started out as a personal conflict between Buddy McLean and the McLaughlin brothers turned into a citywide gang war that raged all throughout the 1960s. James Buddy McLean (1929-1965) Buddy McLean was the original boss of the Winter Hill Gang. ``I don't believe our family will ever know any satisfaction,'' Bill Bennett said. On December 23rd, William Bennett was murdered. But they knew better. So every time we saw a strange car in the yard we were always thinking, Daddys home. Boston Police officer, Frankie Desario talks about the Bennett Brothers and their violent demise.Oral History Definition:Oral history is a field of study and a method of gathering, preserving and interpreting the voices and memories of people, communities, and participants in past events. But this is far from the only scene carved into Bill Bennett's heart and soul. He was out on bail at the time of his murder after being indicted with Earl back in November of 66. the Boston Globe ran an article about Wimpys disappearance. Georgie got drunk and groped a girlfriend of one of the men. Hannon was a higher level member and suffered a horrific death as his genitals were repeatedly burned with a blowtorch. In 1953 he escaped with two other boys from Shirley. ``Maybe the only truth,'' the son said, ``is that you can always kill some people and get away with it. The crimes and the mysteries of which many are still unsolved. That fucking story has more lives than a bag full of cats. The Flemmi brothers Stephen and Jimmy the Bear were in a precarious spot, being Bennett disciples but also ties with Barboza and Winter Hill. But a rural jail wasnt going to hold Wimpy. . Stevie was driving in Middleton, Mass on September 23, 1966 when a car pulled up beside him and bullets rang out. ``No matter what they say, I believe the government is still trying hard to protect a guy like Rico,'' Billy Bennett said. BIO: Jimmy & Peter Bennett. A street war ensued and bullet riddled bodies started turning up all over the streets of Boston. vintage bennett brothers blue book of quality merchandise 1985. Indulge me in one of my tirades for a minute. Let Nina & Lara be your guides through the darkest streets of Boston. Raymond screamed ask him where Wimpy Bennett is, he was the last one to see him alive!. He told them to get out of town and they obeyed. Among his gangster peers, Buddy was revered for his extreme toughness and loyalty. . Frankie picked up Stevie and they drove to Revere Beach to meet Rico who had another FBI agent with him. . Him and his passenger were killed. Today Nina and I are going to be discussing the Bennett brothers: Walter, William and Edward who was best known as Wimpy. He would get indicted in the infamous horse race fixing scandal in 1979. James Spike OToole (1929-1973) He was a close friend of Buddy McLean and a member of the Winter Hill Gang. He gave Delaney a bottle of liquor and a handful of sleeping pills before strangling him. A similar version of the story that we quoted earlier from Frankie. In January of 1960 a man named Charles Kirby received a phone call at his TV repair shop by a man looking for Wimpy. And Walter also loved running his mouth to the authorities. He was being protected by the FBI and the most dangerous gangsters were out of the way. "The Bennett brothers were going nuts trying to get it somehow so they could play together on the Patriots," NFL Network reported Ian Rapoport said at the time. Punchy was gunned down in 1965 at a bus stop while on his way to his brother Georges murder trial. Stevie Hughes (died 1966) Stevie Hughes was the man who killed Buddy McLean in 1965, among many others. Wimpy was looking for Det. That investigation would last for half a decade and spawn many other investigations including one into. The other brother Kenny would be warned by Whitey Bulger that he was out of business, no further warnings. Sifting the truth from the lies. Wimpy Bennett and his two brothers Walter and William were all murdered in 1967 during the middle of the McLean/McLaughlin War. The only reason Stevie and Co. came out on top is because they had the full support of the FBI! two days later and a trial date was set for April 7. an alleged associate of the Bennetts testified. Nobody else seemed interested in solving their fathers murder. . The year 1967 was not a good one for the Bennett family. He was an FBI informant for decades and received special treatment from them. In 1963 the Postals concluded that while Walter Bennett had not been that helpful he was a valuable pipeline and further contact should be maintained to nurture this cooperation.. 4.5. Was her phone tapped? Though he may never know what ultimately happened to his uncles, or if there are any remains left to be unearthed . Everyone and their mother had at some point in time. Ok, lets briefly talk about the early lives of the Bennett brothers, their activities and how the three men found themselves murder victims within a year of each other. In a brutal killing, Martorano actually ran over OToole with his car after walking out of a bar in Dorchester. Joseph Joe Mac McDonald (1917-1997) Joe Mac was the best friend and partner in crime of James Buddy McLean and a mentor to Howie Winter. But while they were waiting for Larry to appear, Frankie shot and killed Walter instead. Once at a South Boston wedding two men in long coats came up to her and said, Are you a Bennett? Said Judy, My heart started beating. Thank goodness for our listeners sharing with us. Salemmes version of events was that Walter blamed Stevie and the LCN for Wimpys murder and was out for revenge. Wimpy enlisted in the Army on December 17, 1941 and served as a private in the Air Corps as did Walter. MALDEN (CBS) - Two young brothers from Malden are in the spotlight Thursday after being named "heroes" by a national organization that recognizes young people doing great things. But we will probably never know the truth. After showing up at Larry Zanninos social club, they were killed and robbed of the money they had raised. When someone needed to be hurt or killed, the job was usually given to the eager brothers. Moving on. The Bennetts were well established gangsters in the area and one of the strong Irish sets that resisted working with Patriarca and the Italian Office in Providence, Rhode Island. His crumpled body was found in a snowbank on Harvard St. near Blue Hill Ave. with a bullet through his brain. At least they had a sense of honor.''. MafiaHitters.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The war had started when a drunken George McLaughlin had groped a girlfriend of one of Buddys friends. Frank Salemme and Stevie Flemmi claim responsibility for the slayings of all three, but have never been able to provide the location of Wimpy and Walter's bodies. That same day he was relieved of his duty as a cop. They weren't asking.''. A couple of weeks later Robert was indicted on charges of armed robbery while masked and assault with intent to commit murder. The prosecutor asked Flemmi to point out Salemme in the courtroom. There was also a monthly payment envelope that had the initials BM on it. On. McLean had the support of Winter Hill. Walter was just 17 at the time. In the end, Buddy McLean and two McLaughlin brothers, Bernie and Punchy were killed. Det. Log In. August 3, 2016, 8:30 AM. I was more implying that they were government collaborators for generations. The mystery of what happened to Wimpy and Walter still haunts the Bennett family to this day. . The Italian mafia inserted themselves into the war on a few occasions over the years. . He sent the three men out to get tributes from the local wiseguys. He was a free man by 1987 and decided to leave Boston for St. Louis where he resumed his criminal activities. We'll be profiling criminals, informants, law enforcement officers, politicians and molls. Irene was given immunity when she testified in 1967 against Sweet who she claimed convinced her that if they murdered her husband they would share his fortune of $2 million. Speaking of Jack, next week were going to be talking about the botched heists of the late 1960s. Pat Nee was a member of the opposing Mullens and found himself at war with Whitey in these days. Howie Winter knew hed been betrayed but refused to become a rat himself, instead opting to spend years in prison. Instead of focusing on the guys who beat up George, the brothers now put the blame on Buddy McLean. Not Your Average Joe: Joseph JR Russo & Some North End Tales, Joe Meet Joe: Joseph Barboza - Part 3 - The Final Act, Thanksgiving Bonus Episode - Prison Breaks, California Dreaming - Joseph Barboza - Part 2, Finding Frankie Salemme - The 1972 Arrest, Jack's Justice - Part 3: The Trials Continue. In November of 2001, authorities were digging at a firing range in Hopkinton looking for the remains of Walter and Wimpy after Salemme told them the location claiming he helped bury the Bennett brothers hoping to shave time off of his sentence. But the charges were never proven. A crazy Wimpy story. Read the 302s. Buddy McLean at this time was on an absolute tear and winning the war. The brothers owned several businesses in Dorchester. He had a good reason though, he had just found out that his bosses Whitey Bulger and Stephen The Rifleman Flemmi were both informants. It was a horrific murder scene. Experts say another 30,000 households will hit the $1 million mark in Boston in the next four years. Hugh Shields and Dickie Grasso went to Stevie Flemmi and they concocted a plan to take out Billy Bennett. Billy was shot four times in the chest. Piecing together the stories and the players in Richies tangled tale. OMG Earl looked just like Boris Nayfeld! ESPN's incredible interview with the Bennett brothers is a must-read. In 1953, he escaped with two other boys from Shirley. Was Steve supposed to be Stevie Flemmi? As State Honorees, Kira and Harry each . One of the boys said his boss named Steve gave him permission to use the car. Billy Stuart on the 18th of January 1967, but Stuart didnt have time to meet him. In typical Flemmi fashion, Stevie called up Billy Stuart to save him. As usual, he was congenial and cooperative. Just like in the death of Walter Bennett, Salemme claimed that William Bennett was looking for revenge for his brothers. Stephen Flemmi was having a great stroke of luck and he could see a clear path to the top of the Boston mob in his future. Howie Winter - informant. They copped to crimes that werent theirs either to build their street cred or cut themselves a better deal. A young Whitey Bulger was part of Killeens crew, as was the feared hitman William OSullivan. Forgot account? Wimpy and Fats Buccelli were sentenced to one year in Deer Island for possession of part of the Brinks loot, but in May of 1957 Fats and Wimpy were cleared of being accessories after the fact. He has been sentenced to life in prison plus several years for his litany of crimes. BOSTON Its a courtroom formality that usually goes off without a hitch: A prosecutor asks a key witness to identify a defendant in the courtroom, and the witness obliges with the point of a finger. Weve alluded to this many times but there were four missing persons cases in the 60s: Billy Aggie, Tommy Richards and the Bennett brothers and what did they all have in common? They were quick with a gun and always together looking for enemies. McLean initially tried to peacefully resolve the issue until he found that the McLaughlins put a bomb under his family car. He didnt get to that spot without some serious help though. It was a power struggle between the Bennetts and the Office and former underling Flemmi set them up. Welcome to Double Deal! vintage bennett brothers jewelry new catalog importers and distributors 1992. He wrote a book called Rat Bastards: The Story Of South Bostons Most Honorable Irish Gangster. In 1967 all three Bennett brothers were murdered. Donald Killeen would be murdered in 1972. When she heard of Whitey Bulgers arrest, Judy Bennett Ewell said she just felt nauseous, the same way shes felt every time there was news about Flemmi or Bulger.