“The Mafia Double Crosses”: The Betrayals Of Mob Hitman and Turncoat Joe “The Animal” Barboza
During the 1960s, Joe “The Animal” Barboza was a feared enforcer and killer for the New England mafia. However, when the mob turned their back on him, Barboza decided to pay them back
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9 min readApr 18, 2024
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Background
The tale of Joseph “The Animal” Barboza is one of the most colorful and unique sagas in the history of American organized crime. Throughout the twists and turns of his criminal life, Barboza was able to manipulate small-time crooks, members of the mafia, and even the United States government.
However, in February of 1976, his deceit and treachery finally caught up with him when he was shotgunned to death on a San Francisco street. Today we will take a look at some of the most infamous betrayals committed by and against Joseph “The Animal” Barboza.