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The Life and Death of Roy DeMeo: A Gambino Crime Family Member

The Life and Death of Roy DeMeo: A Gambino Crime Family Member

The Rise of Roy DeMeo

Roy DeMeo was born in 1942 in Brooklyn, New York, into a modest family. He eventually rose to become a notorious American gangster associated with the Gambino crime family. DeMeo started his criminal career by engaging in street-level crime, including robbery and extortion. His charm and charisma quickly gained him a reputation, allowing him to climb the ranks within the organized crime world.

Through the late 1960s and into the 1970s, DeMeo established himself as a top enforcer for the Gambino family. He was known not only for his ruthless nature but also for his organizational skills. One of his major contributions to the crime family was the creation of a crew responsible for countless illegal activities, ranging from loan sharking to drug trafficking. His crew, known for their brutal tactics, was implicated in a series of murders that would strike fear into the hearts of rivals and informants alike.

DeMeo’s Criminal Activities

Roy DeMeo's criminal enterprises included a horrific operation that involved the systematic murder of rivals and potential informants. He and his crew, often referred to as the DeMeo Crew, are believed to have been involved in over 100 murders, significantly contributing to their infamy. Their modus operandi was chilling; victims were often dismembered to facilitate disposal, tarnishing the already dark reputation of the Gambino family.

The Gambino Crime Family Connection

As a key figure in the Gambino crime family, DeMeo worked closely with high-ranking members such as Paul Castellano and later **John Gotti**. His connections provided him with protection and resources, allowing him to expand his criminal influence across various illegal businesses. However, such notoriety and power also drew attention from law enforcement agencies, which soon began targeting him and his crew.

The Downfall and Murder of Roy DeMeo

As the 1980s approached, the heat was increasing around organized crime in New York City. DeMeo’s violent methods, once a source of his power, became his downfall. Tensions within the Gambino family escalated due to increased law enforcement activity and inner family disputes that often turned violent.

DeMeo's Betrayal

In early 1983, DeMeo's waning influence and paranoia led him to believe that he had become a target within his own ranks. Fearing betrayal, the Gambino family's leadership ultimately decided that DeMeo posed too great a risk. In January 1983, Roy DeMeo was murdered, a victim of the very violence he had instigated for years. His body was discovered in the trunk of a car, a fitting end for a man who had orchestrated the fate of many others.

The Legacy of Roy DeMeo

Despite his untimely demise at the age of 40, DeMeo's legacy continues to be discussed in popular culture, highlighting the violent and chaotic underworld of organized crime. His story serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers and the eventual price paid by those who choose a life of crime. Today, he is remembered as one of the most infamous mobsters in American history.

Fun Fact

Roy DeMeo's Interesting Fact

Roy DeMeo was not only feared for his violent tactics but also for his appearances in pop culture, specifically in the television series Fargo, where characters inspired by his life were featured.

Additional Resources

Recommended Reading on Roy DeMeo

For those looking to dive deeper into the life of Roy DeMeo, consider reading "Murder Machine: A True Story of Murder, Madness, and the Mafia" by Gene Mustain and Jerry Capeci for an in-depth exploration of his life and criminal activities.