The Mysterious Death of Benjamin 'Bugsy' Siegel: Unraveling the Mafia’s Ancestry

Benjamin 'Bugsy' Siegel, a key figure in the establishment of Las Vegas as a gambling haven, met a violent end on June 20, 1947. The murder remains a hotly debated topic in the public imagination, with numerous theories swirling around. This article explores the various theories behind Siegel's death and why no clear culprit has emerged.

Introduction to Benjamin 'Bugsy' Siegel

Benjamin Siegel, better known by his childhood nickname 'Bugsy,' was a pivotal figure in the early 20th-century gambling scene. His ambitious plan to build the Flamingo casino in Las Vegas, which he saw as a means to make a fortune, led to a complex web of financial and personal entanglements.

Bugsy Siegel's Fall from Grace

As Siegel grew more ambitious and greedy, tensions with the organized crime world began to rise. He sought more funding from the mafia to get the Flamingo up and running, but when his requests went unmet, he became rude and confrontational. His actions eventually alienated him from the very people who once supported his dreams.

Theories Surrounding the Murder

While there is no definitive proof of who killed Benjamin 'Bugsy' Siegel, several theories have emerged over the years. The most compelling and widely discussed theories include:

Mafia Order

Some suspect that Siegel was killed on the orders of Meyer Lansky or Charles "Lucky" Luciano. These mob leaders, who had invested in the Flamingo project, believed that Siegel had squandered their money and had grown too greedy. Others claim that Virginia Hill, Siegel's girlfriend and a source of controversy, was involved in financial skimming from the casino profits.

One notable hypothesis involves the Chicago Outfit, a powerful criminal organization, potentially retaliating against Siegel over denying them access to the Transcontinental race wire. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this theory.

Personal Vengeance

A more personal theory suggests that Siegel's death was orchestrated by a member of Virginia Hill's family. Those close to the incident claimed that Virginia’s brother, who was a U.S. Marine, threatened Siegel violently and may have been involved in his murder. The Marine brother was stationed near Oceanside, California, and voiced his intent to kill Siegel shortly before the Flamingo opened.

World War II Context

During World War II, when the Flamingo was nearing completion, Siegel and Virginia Hill had a volatile relationship. Her brother witnessed Siegel physically abusing her, leading to heated arguments. This may have contributed to a personal vendetta or justified act of vengeance.

Mystery Surrounding the Shooting

The actual shooting occurred on June 20, 1947, at Virginia Hill’s balcony in Beverly Hills. A sniper fired nine slugs through a window of the pink Moorish mansion, hitting Siegel multiple times and his friend Allen Smiley. The shooting was meticulously executed, leaving a gruesome crime scene.

According to Ed Reid and Ovid Demaris in their 1963 book, the shooter was positioned on a rose-covered pagoda and fired from a .30-caliber military carbine. Of the five shots that missed, one damaged a marble statue and another a painting.

Conclusion

While speculation continues, the true identity of the killer remains a mystery. Benjamin 'Bugsy' Siegel's death embodies the turbulent and often violent world of organized crime during the early 20th century. His relationship with the mafia was complex, marked by both cooperation and conflict. As the anniversary of his death approaches each year, the mystery surrounding his murder only grows, captivating the public's imagination.

Keywords: Bugsy Siegel, Mafia, Las Vegas