The Lanzetta Brothers

The Lanzetta Brothers were a notorious group of siblings involved in organized crime during the Prohibition era in the United States. The brothers, Leo, Pius, Willie, Ignatius, Lucian, and Teo, were known for their violent methods and were key figures in the Philadelphia underworld during the 1920s and 1930s.

Early Life

The Lanzetta Brothers were born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Italian immigrants. They grew up in the city's South Philadelphia neighborhood, an area known for its high crime rates and strong Italian-American community. The brothers were introduced to crime at a young age, and by their late teens, they were already involved in various illegal activities.

Criminal Activities

The Lanzetta Brothers rose to prominence during the Prohibition era, a period in American history when the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were banned. They operated a successful bootlegging business, smuggling alcohol from Canada and selling it in Philadelphia. The brothers were also involved in other criminal activities, including gambling, extortion, and murder.

Their violent methods and ruthless approach to business made them feared figures in the Philadelphia underworld. They were known for their use of the "one-way ride", a method of execution where the victim is driven to a remote location, killed, and left for dead.

Downfall and Legacy

The Lanzetta Brothers' reign came to an end in the late 1930s when several members of the group were arrested and convicted on various charges. The remaining brothers either retired from crime or were killed in gang-related violence.

Despite their downfall, the Lanzetta Brothers left a lasting legacy in the world of organized crime. Their story has been the subject of numerous books and films, and they are often cited as examples of the violent excesses of the Prohibition era.

See Also

• Prohibition in the United States
• Organized crime
• History of Philadelphia

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