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The Murder of Otto 'Aba Daba' Berman: A Gangster's Demise

The Life of Otto 'Aba Daba' Berman

Otto 'Aba Daba' Berman's Early Years

Born in 1891, Otto 'Aba Daba' Berman grew up in the bustling environment of the Lower East Side of New York City. As a child of German immigrants, he experienced the challenges and opportunities of life in a rapidly evolving urban landscape. Berman developed a knack for mathematics at an early age, which led him down the path of becoming an accountant. His skills soon attracted the attention of some of the most notorious figures in organized crime.

His Role as Accountant for Dutch Schultz

In the realm of illegal activities, Otto 'Aba Daba' Berman became known as the accountant for infamous mobster Dutch Schultz. His expertise in finance and bookkeeping was essential to Schultz’s operations as he navigated the complexities of the gangland economy during the Prohibition era. Berman was not just a number-cruncher; he played a crucial role in managing the mafia's financial transactions and safeguarding their profits.

The Murder of Otto 'Aba Daba' Berman

The Circumstances Surrounding His Death

On November 23, 1935, Berman was brutally murdered at the age of 44, the victim of a violent conflict within organized crime. At that time, Schultz was embroiled in turf wars and power struggles with rival gangs, which created a treacherous atmosphere for those associated with him. Berman's murder was a stark reminder of the dangers of gangster life, where loyalty could flip into betrayal in an instant.

Impact on the Underworld

The assassination of Otto 'Aba Daba' Berman sent shockwaves throughout the criminal underworld. His death not only signified the violent turmoil within organized crime groups but also marked a turning point for Schultz's operation, which began to decline shortly afterward. The power vacuum left behind by Berman’s murder revealed how interconnected and fragile the world of gangsters truly was, often ending in tragedy.

Fun Fact

Otto 'Aba Daba' Berman's Nickname

The nickname "Aba Daba" is an intriguing aspect of Berman's identity, possibly deriving from a playful reference to his eccentricity or a whimsical character that endeared him to fellow gangsters. Such names often held significance and were reflective of an individual's personality within the mafia landscape.

Additional Resources

Recommended Reading on Otto 'Aba Daba' Berman

If you're intrigued by the life of Otto 'Aba Daba' Berman and the world of organized crime, consider reading "The Last Testament of Dutch Schultz" and "Gangsters and Gold: The Story of the World's Most Notorious Gangs" for a deeper insight into this turbulent historical period.