In this episode, Gavin talks through the murders of three Scaffidi family members: Vincenzo "James" Scaffidi, Anthony, and Joseph. On Saturday, March 14th, 1891, Antonio Scaffidi was murdered in prison along with Joseph P. Macheca and Antonio Marchesi. Vincenzo Scaffidi was shot six times from behind on the evening of December 12, 1919. He was found lying in a ditch on Whitnall Avenue in the town of Lake (now the location of Mitchell Airport), his .38 revolver still in his shirt. In the early mo...
Sep 28, 2021•31 min•Season 2Ep. 33
Gavin continues on with Tony Gennaro snitching from prison. In the last episode, Tony, while an inmate at Waupun, sent a letter to Milwaukee’s captain of detectives, Adolph Kraemer. Tony writes: “If you want to talk with me about them, I would like to talk to you alone. Please don’t tell anyone about my name, because I am a prisoner and there are many Italian fellows from the Third Ward here; keep quiet and afterward you will find out many important things concerning them.” Visit MilwaukeeMafia....
Sep 21, 2021•40 min•Season 1Ep. 32
In this episode, Gavin covers the murder of Jack Dentice, and part one of Tony Gennaro snitching from prison. There are two different versions of the motive for Jack's murder, and Frank LaGalbo is included in both of them. "During dinner, LaGalbo and Jack got into an argument about girls and LaGalbo told Jack that his girl was a prostitute and that she worked for his uncle, Vince Crupi.” Visit MilwaukeeMafia.com for more information Gavin's Books: https://amzn.to/3ssKOQH Patreon: https://www.pat...
Sep 14, 2021•25 min•Season 2Ep. 31
Gavin walks listeners through stories of bombings and murder in this episode. Wisconsin’s Sicilian Mafia a was primarily based in Milwaukee, but the suburb of Waukesha had its own Italian community. One cannot fully appreciate the history of the Milwaukee Mafia without including Waukesha. Visit MilwaukeeMafia.com for more information Gavin's Books: https://amzn.to/3ssKOQH Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Milwaukeemafia...
Sep 07, 2021•36 min•Ep. 30
In this episode, a listener asks what makes the Milwaukee Mafia different from other mobs, such as New York and Chicago. The answers: Working as city employees while controlling the garbage industry Prohibition wasn't as big of a boom for the Milwaukee Mafia as other mobs Eric gets Gavin off on a tangent about the Milwaukee Mafia and Las Vegas Vending machines (remember when cigarettes were sold in vending machines?) And some stories that Gavin has come across he has found surprising A bubble gu...
Aug 31, 2021•18 min•Season 1Ep. 29
The Milwaukee Mafia was primarily Sicilian (by definition). What other ethnic groups participated in Milwaukee crime? Gavin's Note: I am not always comfortable referring to someone as "Sicilian" or "Irish" when they were born in the United States, but this is the shorthand law enforcement uses when gangs recruit based on a person's heritage, so I'm following their lead. Visit MilwaukeeMafia.com for more information Gavin's Books: https://amzn.to/3ssKOQH Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Milwaukee...
Aug 24, 2021•23 min•Season 1Ep. 28
In this episode Gavin discusses the Apalachin, New York meeting (November 14th, 1957), and J. Edgar Hoover's Top 10 Hoodlum List. Notable Milwaukee "Hoodlums" on the list include: Frank Balistrieri John Alioto Walter Brocca Visit MilwaukeeMafia.com for more information Gavin's Books: https://amzn.to/3ssKOQH Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Milwaukeemafia...
Aug 17, 2021•16 min•Season 1Ep. 27
In this "mini" episode, a listener asks Gavin: "What are some of the common Mafia myths?" He covers some, but far from all of them. Check out our website for more information: https://milwaukeemafia.com/the-milwaukee-balistrieri-family-dont-sell-them-short/ Visit MilwaukeeMafia.com for more information Gavin's Books: https://amzn.to/3ssKOQH Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Milwaukeemafia Check out our episode sponsor: Appleton Podcast Co-op...
Aug 10, 2021•23 min•Season 1Ep. 26
The prime suspect in the Frank Aiello murder has left town. This time we catch up with him. Will Aiello's killer be brought to justice? Visit MilwaukeeMafia.com for more information Gavin's Books: https://amzn.to/3ssKOQH Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Milwaukeemafia
Aug 03, 2021•33 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Introducing our Newest podcast Fox Cities Murder and Mayhem launching on August 3, 2021. Check it out and subscribe at FoxCitiesMM.com Gavin's Books: https://amzn.to/3ssKOQH
Jul 28, 2021•2 min
So many murders in the Third Ward seem to be random. But this time, the victim is the grandson of mob boss Vito Guardalabene and nephew of Angelo and Pete Guardalabene. Who would dare strike the family? Visit MilwaukeeMafia.com for more information Gavin's Books: https://amzn.to/3ssKOQH Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Milwaukeemafia...
Jul 27, 2021•39 min•Season 1Ep. 24
With the Genna brothers out of the way, Joseph Aiello stands in Capone's way of being the undisputed boss of Chicago. This episode contains information about: Joseph Aiello Al Capone The Sicilian Union Michele Merlo Tony Lombardo Bugs Moran Although this episode is not directly related to the Milwaukee Mafia, it is important information for next week's episode. Information for this episode came primarily from http://www.myalcaponemuseum.com/id99.htm . Other Links: Visit MilwaukeeMafia.com for mo...
Jul 20, 2021•32 min•Season 1Ep. 23
After being in America only four months, Alberto Speciale was shot by two gunmen on February 17, 1926 at the corner of Lyon and Jackson Streets in Milwaukee. When investigating Speciale's murder, the police find mysterious letters and many dead ends. For more information: https://milwaukeemafia.com/Wiki/alberto-speciale/ This episode is based on Chapter 8 of Gavin's book: The Milwaukee Mafia Visit MilwaukeeMafia.com for more information Gavin's Books Patreon Note: The audio quality was updated 0...
Jul 13, 2021•21 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Chicago's mob boss was Al Capone, right? Well... it didn't have to be that way. A band of brothers stood in his path. Visit MilwaukeeMafia.com for more information Gavin's Books: https://amzn.to/3ssKOQH Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Milwaukeemafia
Jul 06, 2021•37 min•Season 1Ep. 21
On August 28, 1928, Tony Kuzmanovich closed up his restaurant at 3 am with $800, and headed home with his wife. Ad the couple were headed home, a car came alongside of their car at the corner of 65th and Wisconsin, only a block from their destination. A man yelled for Tony to pull over, which Tony did, and then a sawed-off shot gun was pointed at Tony and his wife. Assuming he was the target of a robbery, Tony reached for his wallet, but the man with the shotgun likely thought that Tony was pull...
Jun 29, 2021•18 min•Season 1Ep. 20
An overview of the Guardalabene Milwaukee Mafia family in the 1920s. Visit MilwaukeeMafia.com for more information Gavin's Books: https://amzn.to/3ssKOQH Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Milwaukeemafia
Jun 22, 2021•32 min•Season 1Ep. 19
The Sorce name will come up again, but this first time doesn't end well. Visit MilwaukeeMafia.com for more information Gavin's Books: https://amzn.to/3ssKOQH Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Milwaukeemafia
Jun 15, 2021•33 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Bodies are piling up, but now we have the most dastardly murder yet: an unarmed grandmother. Also, we briefly touch on Kenosha. Visit MilwaukeeMafia.com for more information Gavin's Books: https://amzn.to/3ssKOQH Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Milwaukeemafia
Jun 08, 2021•27 min•Season 1Ep. 17
We take a deep dive into the world of counterfeiting circa 1910. Also, how the National Archives is making research easier every day! Visit MilwaukeeMafia.com for more information Gavin's Books: https://amzn.to/3ssKOQH Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Milwaukeemafia
Jun 01, 2021•46 min•Season 1Ep. 16
We finish up the deadly years of 1911-1912 with a few more stories of wanton bloodshed. Visit MilwaukeeMafia.com for more information Gavin's Books: https://amzn.to/3ssKOQH Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Milwaukeemafia
May 25, 2021•28 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Yes, it does. But does it still exist in MILWAUKEE? Join hosts Gavin Schmitt and Eric Wulterkens as they examine the evidence. MilwaukeeMafia.com
May 18, 2021•28 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Two men named Dominic Leone... one a respected priest, the other the victim of a vicious murder. In this episode their two stories overlap. Visit MilwaukeeMafia.com for more information Gavin's Books: https://amzn.to/3ssKOQH Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Milwaukeemafia
May 11, 2021•38 min•Season 1Ep. 13
1950s: a handful of Milwaukee crooks are behind what may have been the biggest burglary in American history. Where did the money go? Lavere Redfield entered the sphere of the Milwaukee Mafia on February 29, 1952. A 400-pound safe containing $1.5-2.5 million in currency, securities and gems was stolen from Redfield's 15-room Reno, Nevada mansion. This story is one of Gavin's top 3 most favorite stories! (You can hear the excitement in his tone!) Visit MilwaukeeMafia.com for more information Gavin...
May 04, 2021•32 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Gavin discusses his book "Great Lakes Pirate: The Adventures of Roaring Dan Seavey" - the tale of the only man ever arrested for piracy on the Great Lakes. GavinSchmitt.com Gavin's Books Patreon Note: Audio quality updated 03/05/2022. The content is the same, but the audio has been updated for a better listening experience....
Apr 27, 2021•16 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In the 1910s, murder in the Third Ward was common enough that the newspapers barely followed up on them, and rarely got the names right. Even worse, almost nobody was ever caught! Visit MilwaukeeMafia.com for more information Gavin's Books: https://amzn.to/3ssKOQH Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Milwaukeemafia
Apr 20, 2021•34 min•Season 1Ep. 10
The first man to die at the hands of a Milwaukee Sicilian: James Soukop. How did the community react? Who could they trust? Visit MilwaukeeMafia.com for more information Gavin's Books: https://amzn.to/3ssKOQH Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Milwaukeemafia
Apr 13, 2021•18 min•Season 1Ep. 9
In this episode we discuss Vincent Crupi and his network of brothels he ran in Milwaukee, which ends up landing him in prison. Once in prison he starts a whole new set of crimes which are investigated later on in his life -- Got a question about this episode? Email Gavin and Eric at milwaukeemafia@gmail.com Explore the Milwaukee Mafia Wiki: https://milwaukeemafia.com/ Become part of the Family: https://www.patreon.com/Milwaukeemafia -- Gavin Schmitt is the leading historical expert on the mafia ...
Mar 23, 2021•42 min•Season 1Ep. 8
In the second part of garbage collection we learn how the Mob is able to exploit Garbage collection employees and the violence that results from there exploitations -- Got a question about this episode? Email Gavin and Eric at milwaukeemafia@gmail.com Explore the Milwaukee Mafia Wiki: https://milwaukeemafia.com/ Become part of the Family: https://www.patreon.com/Milwaukeemafia -- Gavin Schmitt is the leading historical expert on the mafia in Wisconsin. He has written several books on the subject...
Mar 16, 2021•36 min•Season 1Ep. 7
In this episode we take a look at Garbage collection and how it worked in Milwaukee in the late 1800's. This is a 2 part episode and in the second part we will discuss how the mafia got involved with the Garbage collection industry. -- Got a question about this episode? Email Gavin and Eric at milwaukeemafia@gmail.com Explore the Milwaukee Mafia Wiki: https://milwaukeemafia.com/ Become part of the Family: https://www.patreon.com/Milwaukeemafia -- Gavin Schmitt is the leading historical expert on...
Mar 09, 2021•25 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In this week's episode we look at the traditional structure of the Mafia, and get an understanding of the positions within that structure. Visit MilwaukeeMafia.com for more information Gavin's Books: https://amzn.to/3ssKOQH Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Milwaukeemafia 10/20/2021 Update: The audio has been updated for a better listening experience. Enjoy!...
Mar 02, 2021•26 min•Season 1Ep. 5
