Office of the Historian

List of assassinations, murders, and affrays committed by Sicilians and Italians in the city of New Orleans, State of Louisiana, during the time extending from August, 1866, to the present date, inclusive.

New Orleans, April 1, 1891.
(1)
Louis Carmoli, shot and killed on Front levee by Pietro Marichini, alias Orsini, on the night of August 27, 1866. Escaped from the city.
(2)
Vincente Samsoni, stabbed and killed by the three brothers Vincente, Antonio, and Pascal Grego on December 29, 1866. All the parties were arrested and tried in the criminal district court on the charge of manslaughter. Antonio Grego was discharged, Vincente Grego found guilty and sentenced to fifteen years’ hard labor in Louisiana State penitentiary. Pascal Grego obtained a new trial and was released on a $1,000 bond. The case was never again brought to trial; evidence very conflicting and unreliable.
(3)
Edward Hevron, stabbed and mortally wounded by two unknown Italians at the corner of Spain and Victory streets on the night of September 21, 1866; subsequently died from wounds; could not recognize his assailants, but they spoke Italian.
(4)
Bernard McNeely, shot and killed by Giovani Batella on January 21, 1867. Locality and time of killing not known. The only record is the inquest of the coroner’s jury.
(5)
Erastus Wells, commissary of the Poydras market, was shot and killed by Salvatore Rosa, assisted by his son Christovat Rosa, at or near No. 185 Delord street on September 3, 1867. Tried in the criminal district court on February 12, 1868. Verdict of jury, “not guilty,” owing to absence of State witnesses and other required evidence.
(6)
Gaspard Auponsa, found dead on Decatur street from knife wounds inflicted by unknown parties on the night of November 14, 1867. The only record of this murder is to be found in the official verdict of the coroner’s jury.
(7)
Paul Pivorelli, stabbed and killed by Christopher Vallata at the corner of ClaiRome and St. Peter streets on November 29, 1867. Tried and found guilty of manslaughter in the criminal district court on May 5, 1868, and sentenced to seven years’ hard labor in Louisiana State penitentiary.
(8)
S. Hodges, shot and killed by an unknown Sicilian near the Treme market on the night of December 19, 1867. No arrest made; inquest held by coroner.
(9)
Bartholomew Fecla, shot and killed by P. Navarito at No. 20 Ursulines street on September 13, 1868. Tried and convicted in the criminal district court on February 20, 1869, for manslaughter, and sentenced to the Louisiana penitentiary for five years at hard labor.
(10)
The body of an unknown Italian, found floating in the Mississippi River at the head of the Convent Pasturage below the city on October 10, 1868. The
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[Exhibit A.]

Date of registry. Number of certificate. Name. Age. Color. Nativity. Residence. Name of householder Occupation. Precinct. Ward. Time of residence in the— Year born. Naturalized. Declared intention. Oath and signature.
State. Parish. Ward. When. Where. When. Where.
I do solemnly swear, or affirm, that, by the time of holding the next election in this parish, I will be at least 21 years of age; I was born, naturalized, or declared my intentions to become a citizen of the United States (as the tee may be), and am subject to the jurisdiction thereof, and by the time for holding or the next election, I will have been a resident of this State for at least 1 year, and of this parish for at least 6 months, and of the ward in which I now claim to be registered for at least 30 days, and I am not disfranchised for any causes mentioned in article 187 of the constitution of this State.
October 12, 1872. 599 Charles Matranga 25 “White Italy 266 Poydras street Self Barkeeper 5 3 16 years. 16 years. 18 months. 1857 By virtue of his father’s naturalization [Signed.] Chas. Matranga.
October 18, 1881 1026 Charles Pietzo 30 do Do 269 “ “ do Merchant 5 3 10 years 10 years 10 years 1857 Oct. 18, 1887 Criminal dist. ct. [Signed.] C. Pietzo.
September 3, 1886 972 John Caruso 29 do Do 225½ Dauphine street. do do 2 5 18 years. 18 years. 18 years 1856 July 12, 1878 2d dist. ct [Signed.] John Caruso.
September 18, 1886. 894 James Caruso 32 do do 241 Chartres street do do 1 5 19 years. 19 years. 19 years. 1854 Sept. 18, 1886 Criminal dist. ct. [Signed.] James Caruso.
October 3, 1887 785 Francisco Gerracchi. 28 do do 291 Bourbon street do Captain 2 6 11 years. 11 years. 1 year 1859 Jan. 3, 1884 Civil dist. Court [Signed.] Francisco (his x mark) Gerracchi.
December 26, 1887. 926 Antonio Bagnetto 41 do do 155 Dryades street Mrs. Wiebel. Fruit stand. 3 3 12 years. 12 years. 12 years 1846 Aug. 30, 1887 Criminal dist. ct. [Signed.] A. Bagnetto.
April 3, 1888. 1642 Frank Romero. 42 do do 115 St. Ann street Self Lab 2 5 1859 29 years. 29 years 1846 Apr. 4, 1868 4th dist. court [Signed.] Frank (his x mark) Romero.
October 6, 1888 1462 Joseph P. Macheca 45 do La 206 St. Claud street do Merchant 3 5 Life Life Life. 1843 [Signed.] Jos. P. Macheca.
May 16, 1889 1696 Charles Patorno 30 do La 70 Dumain street do Clerk 2 5 Life Life Life. 1859 [Signed.] Chas. Patorno.
October 13, 1890 1738 Manuale Polizze 22 do Italy 112 Basin. do Lab 5 3 6 years 6 years 6 years 1868 Oct. 13, 1890 C. D. C. [Signed.] E. Manselle Polizzi
October 3, 1890 1355 Antonio Marchese 46 Do Italy 312 Lafayette street do Lab 6 3 2 years 2 years 2 years 1844 Oct. 3, 1890 Criminal dist. ct. [Signed.] Antonio Marchese.
October 3, 1890 1231 Antonio Scaffidi 24 do do 219 Dryades street do Fruit stand. 3 3 9 years 9 years 9 years 1866 Oct. 10, 1887 do [Signed.] Antony Scoffidi.

New Orleans, April 6, 1891.

I hereby certify the above to be a true and correct extract, from the several registration books on file in this office, of the entries made at the dates therein given of the persons respectively above named.

In testimony whereof, witness my hand and seal this 6th day of April, 1891.

[seal.] Geo. W. Flynn,
Supervisor of Registration for the Parish of Orleans

[Page []] [Page 707]
autopsy of the coroner shows that he had been foully murdered, and then the body thrown into the river. No arrest.
(11)
The body of Edward Jones, found shot and dead near the Treme market on the night of October 25, 1868. He was last seen in the company of two unknown Sicilians. No arrest.
(12)
The body of an unknown Sicilian was found on Liberty street badly stabbed in the back on October 25, 1868; autopsy held at first precinct station. No arrest.
(13)
Loterio Barba, found shot and dead on Decatur street on October 27, 1868; autopsy held by coroner. No arrest.
(14)
Corsimano Gilormo, shot and killed by Salvatore Poglisi near the Treme market on the evening of November 3, 1868. No arrest.
(15)
Salvatore Poglisi, shot and killed by an unknown Sicilian on the night of November 3, 1868. Poglisi was killed soon after he killed Gilormo. The autopsies were held at the same time, and no evidence in either case could be obtained. No arrest.
(16)
Adella Lavilla, stabbed and killed by Callatena Esterano on the night of November 8, 1868. No arrest, as murderer escaped.
(17)
Michela Brandeo, shot and killed by an unknown Sicilian on Hospital street on the night of December 7, 1868. No arrest, as no positive evidence could be obtained.
(18)
Raphael Annelo, shot and killed by an unknown Sicilian on Levee street, between St. Louis and Toulouse streets, on the night of April 1, 1869; autopsy held by coroner, but the name of the slayer could not be discovered, although there were witnesses.
(19)
Herman Hecompt, shot and killed at No. 248 Rampart street by L. Catainio and L. Meico on January 1, 1869. Parties escaped and no arrests made.
(20)
August Rosa stabbed and killed by some Sicilians in an old house at the new lake on March 14, 1869; autopsy held by coroner, but no witnesses or information as to the murder could be obtained. No arrests.
(21)
Dan. C. Clarke, stabbed and killed at 126 South street by Cassa Bianca and Pedro Attaba on March 25, 1869. These parties escaped from the city.
(22)
A. Ambrosio, shot and killed by Vicento Bayona on May 20, 1869; inquest held at Third precinct station. Bayona arrested and sent before criminal district court on charge of murder; case nol-prossed on March 11, 1870, owing to the continued absence of witnesses and want of necessary evidence.
(23)
T. Banano and V. Alluchi, shot and killed by Salvatore Rosa on Barracks street on July 23, 1869. Rosa arrested and sent before criminal district court on the charge of murder. For the want of witnesses and other material evidence a nolle prosequi was entered on July 19, 1870.
(24)
Gustave Afferandre, police officer, was stabbed and killed by Leo Dena, Salvadore Oneilo, and Antonio Bazile on Decatur street, between Dumaine and St. Philip streets, on December 27, 1869. All the parties named were arrested, and, on examination before the recorder of second district’, were released for want of evidence.
(25)
Louis Dubois, shot and killed on the Common street shell road, opposite to the Marine Hospital, on February 24, 1870. No one could identify the Sicilian who was with him.
(26)
Rosario Demochili, shot and killed by Vincente Simondillio on March 11, 1870; Simondillio arrested, tried, and convicted of manslaughter in criminal district court on December 10, 1870; sentenced to five years’ hard labor in Louisiana penitentiary.
(27)
The dead body of Antonio Francisco, with several knife wounds in the back, was found floating in the Mississippi River below Algiers, La., October 26, 1871; inquest held by coroner. No clue.
(28)
Ramon Bonani died in Charity Hospital on January 29, 1872, from contused wounds on the head, said to have been inflicted by some unknown Sicilian. Bonani was unconscious when brought to the hospital, and died in that condition; inquest held by coroner. No clue.
(29)
Jose Calbino, stabbed and killed by Guillema Lazardo and Manuel Vasques on Burgundy street on February 10, 1872. Parties arrested; both indicted by grand jury for manslaughter, May 1, 1872; placed under bonds; case never tried, as the witnesses could never be found.
(30)
An unknown Italian, found stabbed and dead on the bank of the new canal, between the White and Black bridges, on April 9, 1872. No clue or arrest.
(31)
M. Murphy died insensibly at No. 12 Ferdinand street, Third district, from injuries received on the night of July 21, 1872, from the hands of an unknown Italian. No witnesses or evidence could be obtained in this case.
(32)
Thomas Burke, shot and killed by Roberto Deposito at 3 a.m. on the corner of Basin and Common streets, on March 28, 1873. Deposito arrested, but the witnesses pleaded ignorance of all the facts, and the grand jury returned “not a true bill,” for want of evidence.
(33)
Nelson Wallace, stabbed and killed by an unknown Sicilian about 4 a.m. on May 7, 1873, at the corner of Poydras and Basin streets. The murderer escaped, and no witnesses were found who could or would identify the Sicilian.
(34)
Augustus Gusiane, shot and killed by Carlos Tasseo on April 17, 1873, about 3 a.m., at the corner of Lapeyrouse and Galvez streets. Tasseo was arrested; but no evidence whatever could be obtained against him, and he was discharged by the recorder.
(35)
A. Navarreano, stabbed and killed by Alfred Capla on the night of July 9, 1873, on Ursulines street, near Burgundy street. Capla escaped from the city.
(36)
Deigo Cantino, shot and killed by Sam Barretti on St. Louis street, between Roman and Prieur streets, on the night of June 1, 1873. Barretti arrested; but no witnesses or evidence could be obtained against him, and he was discharged.
(37)
Joseph Lementa, shot and killed by an unknown Sicilian on the night of July 19, 1873, while walking on the Gentilly road near the old race course. He was seen talking with the Sicilian a few minutes before he was killed. No arrest.
(38)
Gouliano Carona, shot and killed by an unknown Italian on the levee, near the head of Julia street, about 1 a.m. on December 24, 1873. Inquest held by coroner, but no positive evidence obtained.
(39)
David Kelly, shot and killed by Raphael Serpraso at 267 Old Levee street about 2 a.m. on December 25, 1873. Serpraso arrested; but the witnesses would give no testimony against him, and he was discharged.
(40)
The body of an unknown Sicilian, found shot to death in the woods 3 miles back of the Mississippi River and one-fourth of a mile on the left side of the Verret Canal on January 4, 1874. Inquest held by coroner. No clue whatever.
(41)
Joseph Sansoni, shot and killed by Joseph Plorda on January 5, 1874, on Decatur street, between Ursulines and St. Philip streets. Plorda arrested and tried before criminal district court on January 19, 1874, on charge of murder. Owing to the absence of witnesses and unreliability of the testimony, he was acquitted.
(42)
Guiseppe Calabro, shot and killed by an unknown Italian on the night of July 12, 1874, on St. Philip street, between Royal and Chartres streets. No evidence could be obtained, and hence no arrest.
(43)
Lusca Giacona, shot and killed by A. Ambravovich on October 10, 1874, on Dumaine near Old Levee. Ambravovich arrested, but discharged by recorder for want of evidence against him.
(44)
Pedro Gorges, shot and killed at No. 106 Philip street on the night of October 23, 1874, by some unknown Sicilian. No witnesses or testimony could be obtained. No arrest.
(45)
The decomposed body of Cotone Nicolo, with knife wounds in body, was found in the woods of the Verret Canal on the evening of November 21, 1874. No clue whatever.
(46)
Salvador Ciaccia, shot and killed by Matteo Jerrassio at No. 235 Decatur street on December 16, 1874. Jerrassio escaped from the city. No witnesses.
(47)
The dead body of Miguel Monico, killed by some unknown person, was brought to the Third precinct station on February 10, 1875. Inquest held, but no witnesses could be found.
(48)
The dead body of an unknown Sicilian, badly stabbed, was found floating in the Mississippi River, near the Sedwick hospital, on January 21, 1875. Coroner’s inquest showed that he had been stabbed to death and the body drawn to, and thrown into, the river. No clue.
(49)
The dead body of an unknown Sicilian, with several stabs in it, was found near the reservoir of the city waterworks on September 23, 1875. Coroner’s inquest held, but no information obtained.
(50)
Bernard Ditto was shot and killed by Frank Ramelo and, Nine-fingered Frank in front of the Quitman Exchange, corner of North Peters and Ursulines streets, on September 20, 1875. Frank was arrested and indicted for murder. On trial of case before criminal district court he was acquitted, owing to the important witnesses having left the city and the testimony of others entirely in his favor.
(51)
Henry Wagner, shot and killed by an unknown Italian at the corner of Broad and Havana streets, Third district, on April 8, 1876, The Italian was not recognized and escaped.
(52)
Andreo Bonetto, shot and killed by Joseph Battala in the house No. 29 Hospital street on June 4, 1876. Battala arrested, but was discharged by recorder for want of evidence against him.
(53)
Juan Carcobi, shot and killed by an unknown Sicilian at No. 22 Ursulines street on the night of October 4, 1876. Murderer escaped. No one would give any testimony.
(54)
The body of an unknown Italian found stabbed to death in the grass on the side of the new shell road, at the head of Borgenois street, on September 8, 1876. Coroner’s inquest held. No information.
(55)
Severmiode la Barra, died, from poison administered by unknown, at No. 113 Dauphine street on April 19, 1877. Suspicions attached to two Sicilians, but the evidence so conflicting and unreliable as not to warrant arrest.
(56)
Francisco Calea was killed by an ax by Antonio Borgia at No. 87 Hospital street on August 24, 1877. Borgia escaped from the city.
(57)
The body of an unknown Italian found stabbed and dead on the People’s Canal, near Gentilly road, Third district, on February 10, 1879. No clue.
(58)
Joseph Malfitano, found shot and dead on Paris avenue, Third district, on March 3, 1879. At the coroner’s inquest it was determined that Malfitano had been the victim of a vendetta. No arrest.
(59)
Tony Mango was stabbed and dangerously wounded by Natar Bonfoni on November 29, 1880, at the corner of St. Claud and St. Peter streets. Bonfoni escaped at the time, but was afterwards arrested. In a few days after this Mango left the city, and on the trial before the recorder he (Bonfoni) was discharged. No evidence.
(60)
Natar Bonfoni, on the day of February 3, 1881, began drinking heavily with other Italians; at night he went to his house on Orleans street, between Villere and Robertson, where he was suddenly taken ill and shortly died. The coroner’s autopsy of the body showed that he had been poisoned, and such was the verdict. Tony Mango was arrested, tried, and discharged. No evidence.
(61)
Cassimino Labuzzo, shot and killed on July 15, 1881, at the corner of Exchange alley and Bienville street by G. Ardotto, Vincent Vasso, and Paul Brocolare; S. Samorini, accessory. All the parties were arrested; Samorini discharged on the examination before the recorder. The balance indicted for murder August 18, 1881; tried before criminal district court September 29, 1881; Ardotto found guilty without capital punishment; Vasso found “not guilty.” Ardotto obtained a new trial, and the case nol-prossed on May 10, 1882; want of evidence.
(62)
Francisco Manno, while asleep in his bed at No. 39 St. Ann street, on the night of April 20, 1872, was murdered by Antonio Morales; arrested and discharged by recorder for want of evidence.
(63)
Marianno Sparicio was fired upon on the night of September 1, 1882, from a gallery at the corner of Cbartres and Dumaine streets by Francisco Corso. Corso arrested, and, on examination before Judge Ford, was discharged for want of evidence on September 8, 1882.
(64)
An Italian shoemaker named Pedro Defino, living on Treme street, between Dumaine and St. Philip streets, murdered his wife with a razor on November 5, 1882; he then went to the house of Mrs. Ellen McCarthy, No. 185 North Rampart street, and attempted to cut her throat. With the assistance of unknown friends he escaped from the city.
(65)
Michello Suigguza, while in his room at No. 99 Bienville street, on the night of March 2, 1883, was shot and severely wounded by Augustino Spatafaro and Carlo Corteso; Both parties arrested, but then released by recorder, as Suigguza refused to prosecute and no evidence could be had.
(66)
Salvador Fazio, stabbed and killed in the French market on April 11, 1883, by G. Vontanio. Murderer escaped from the city.
(67)
Joseph Boniato, shot and wounded by Pedro Cardinali on July 26, 1883, at the corner of Decatur and St. Philip streets. Party arrested and then discharged by Recorder Ford on August 18, 1883, for want of evidence.
(68)
Henry Patterson, shot and killed by two unknown Italians on the night of October 3, 1883, on Elysian Fields, opposite to the bone factory; no clue except as to nationality of murderers. No arrest.
(69)
Pedro Escaroand Joseph Bilboa, killed by A. Silverio on steamship Hu-macoa on December 24, 1883. Silverio arrested, but no evidence could be obtained.
(70)
Antonio Bassa, shot and killed by Phillipi Catolone on March 21, 1884, on Robertson street, near Carondelet walk. Catolone escaped from city.
(71)
Pedro Matchi, shot and killed by Antonio Triggo on April 1, 1884, on Peters street, between Ursulines and Hospital streets. Triggo arrested, but afterwards discharged for want of evidence.
(72)
The body of Paul Vitrano, found stabbed to death on North Peter street on the night of October 31, 1881. No clue or information obtained.
(73)
The dead body of Juan Martini, found stabbed and killed on Barracks street on the night of June 14, 1885. Inquest held by coroner, but no information obtained.
(74)
An unknown Italian stabbed and killed by Tony Triggo on April 1, 1885, on North Peters, near Hospital. Triggo arrested; indicted and tried for murder; acquitted for want of evidence.
(75)
Prank Carsini, shot and badly wounded by Juan Lascola on July 19, 1885, on Chartres street, between Dumaine and St. Philip streets. Lascola arrested, and on examination was discharged by Judge Burthe July 29, 1885, for want of evidence.
(76)
In a street fight between several Italians on the night of December 12, 1886, Vincent Raffo was shot and soon after died. Roca Geracia was arrested and charged with the killing. Case brought before the grand jury, who returned “not a true bill.”
(77)
JeanTamora, shot and killed by Dominica Tribiga on January 18, 1887, at corner of Broad and Frenchmen streets. Tribiga arrested; indicted and tried on charge of manslaughter May 18, 1887; acquitted by jury. No evidence.
(78)
Dominico Astero, badly stabbed by Giovanni Barbario at No. 24 Barracks street February, 1887. Barbario escaped from the city.
(79)
Antonio Ferara, found shot and dead in a vacant lot bounded by Salcedo, Calliope, Gayoso, and Euphoisine streets on March 27, 1887. The verdict of the coroner’s jury shows that he was murdered. No clue obtained.
(80)
Rosario Scrima, stabbed by Giacomo Forestorio on the night of July 29, 1887, at 233 Decatur street. Forestorio arrested; indicted and tried in criminal district court on charge of manslaughter; found guilty and sentenced to eight years’ hard labor in Louisiana penitentiary February 25, 1888.
(81)
Antonio Bonano was found shot and killed on the night of January 5, 1888, on St. Philip street, between Chartres and Decatur streets. No information could be obtained.
(82)
The body of Vincencio Ultonino was found stabbed and dead on January 19, 1889, in the marsh on the lift of the new shell road, near the tollgate. Antonio Dema and Antoni Corso were arrested and charged with the murder; but they were never tried, as no evidence could be obtained against them.
(83)
Guiseppi Mattaino was killed and portions of his body partially burned by Carlo Terese and Mrs. Mattaino at the house corner of Bienville and Derbigny streets on February 25, 1889. Terese escaped, but Mrs. Mattaino was indicted for murder; tried in the criminal district court June 25, 1889, and acquitted. No evidence.
(84)
Piettro Vittrani died in the Charity Hospital March 9, 1889, from the effects of gunshot wounds inflicted by three Sicilians, whom Vittrani did not know. No clew.
(85)
Manuel Mangeloa, shot and killed on the night of June 30, 1889, by unknown Sicilians while asleep in his house on the Gentilly road, near Aubrey street. Two men were seen lurking around the house during the evening, but no one knew or could recognize them.
(86)
Carlo Cortese, while standing in front of his house at No. 307 Decatur street at about 11 p.m. on July 15, 1889, was shot and severely wounded by an unknown Sicilian. No clue or information could be obtained.
(87)
In a street fight on St. Philip street, between Decatur and Chartres streets, on the night of September 2, 1889, between Jim Caruso and Joe Provenzano, assisted by eight Sicilians, one Thomas Baylo was wounded. All parties were arrested and discharged by Recorder Dreuax September 30, 1889, for want of evidence.
(88)
Ed. Brown stabbed and killed by Dago Billy Poker on September 16, 1889, at the Third district ferry landing. Poker escaped from the city.
(89)
Camillo Vitrano, while playing cards with four Sicilians in the house of Juan Matto, No. 12 St. Philip street, at 9 p.m. on June 17, 1890, was shot and killed by some unknown party from an alleyway. All were arrested and, upon an examination before Recorder Dreuax on July 5, 1890, were discharged for want of evidence.
(90)
Ben Motano died in the Charity Hospital on September 25, 1890, from gunshot wounds received from the hands of some Italians unknown to him. No clue.
(91)
D. C. Hennessy, superintendent of police, assassinated by a band of Sicilians at 11 p.m. on October 15, 1890, on Girod street, near corner of Basin street. The result of this murder is well known.
(92)
Raphael Annello was killed by an Italian strongly resembling G. Ardotto on Decatur street, between Toulouse and St. Louis streets, on April 1, 1869. Frank Scarrare chased the murderer into the store of Norman & Reese, on Decatur street, and shot him in the leg. G. Ardotto was arrested and charged with the killing of Annello. Joseph Annello, the brother of the deceased, swore on the stand that G. Ardotto did kill his brother, but the accused on trial was not G. Ardotto.
(93)
A. Sanson! was killed at the corner of St. Philip and Old Levee streets in 1870. G. Ardotto was arrested and charged with the murder, but, owing to want of evidence, was discharged.
(94)
Rocha Gerachi, also known as Francisco Gerachi, lived at 336 Decatur street from 1884 until the beginning of 1888. He voted in the First precinct of the Sixth ward in 1888; he then moved on Frenchman street, the second door from Royal. He was a member of the Italian Nicholls club of 1888, and was known as Rocha or Francisco Gerachi. In 1887 or 1888 he had charge of the poll on Dauphine street, between Hospital and Ursulines streets. About January, 1888, A. Bonano was killed (see No. 81), and it was generally believed that Gerachi committed the murder, as he and Bonano were in opposing political factions.

The foregoing list of assassinations, murders, and affrays committed by Sicilians and Italians in New Orleans during the time from August, 1866, to the present date (April 1, 1891) has been made up under my supervision and direction, in obedience to the mayor’s order, and is now respectfully submitted for his information.

April 13, 1891.

D. F. Gaster,
Superintendent of Police.