Today, Milan is considered a fashion capital. But in the 1970s and 1980s, Milan was Italy’s number one crime capital. During this period, various gangs fought bitter turf wars. One of these gangsters was Francis Turatello, also known as Angel Face. He was rumored to be the biological son of US mafia boss Frank Coppola. Francis Turatello was born to a seamstress in the province of Vicenza. In early childhood, his mother moved with him to the outskirts of Milan. As a teenager, he kept his head above water with amateur boxing matches and petty car theft. Thanks to his ambition, he quickly rose through the ranks of Milan’s underworld and founded his own gang, which consisted of immigrants from Catania and Sicily. In the 1970s, Francis Turatello and his gang managed to control most of the illegal gambling dens and prostitution. He is also said to have been involved in the kidnapping and murder of former Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro and in crimes committed by the Banda della Magliana. Turatello had a fierce feud with another gangster legend, Renato Vallanzasca, better known as the handsome Rene. However, during their time in prison together, a close friendship developed, culminating in Turatello even becoming the best man at Vallanzasca’s prison wedding to Giuliana Brusa. After Turatello’s long escape, he was arrested in 1981 in Piazza Cordusio in Milan and sentenced to a very long prison term. But even in prison, he managed to coordinate his criminal activities. However, his protégé Angelo Epaminonda replaced him as gangster boss. Then the impossible happened. On August 17, 1981, Francis Turatello was attacked by Pasquale Barra, Vincenzo Andraous, Salvatore Maltese, and Antonio Faro during open yard exercise at Badu’e Carros, the high-security prison in Nuoro. Turatello was held down by Barra and Andraous while Faro and Maltese stabbed him 60 times. This murder took place without the consent of the Sicilian Mafia, as Turatello was considered their protégé. It was not possible to determine who ordered the killing. Francis Turatello was buried in the cemetery of Monza. Thus ended the life of the former gangster legend Francis Turatello.
By Isabella Mueller
Welcome to my journey through creativity and discovery! My name is Isabella Mueller, and I invite you to explore the fascinating creative universes I create through my blogs. Since 2020, I have been dedicating my passion to telling captivating stories that are mysterious, historical, and emotional. My goal is not only to entertain, but also to inspire reflection and awaken the spirit of discovery in each of us. At isabellas.blog, the suspense of crime stories is combined with exciting travel tips. Imagine wandering through the picturesque streets of a new city, uncovering dark secrets hidden in the shadows of its history. Every piece on my blog is designed to make the heart of every crime fiction fan beat faster while sparking curiosity about unknown places. Here, you are invited to experience the thrill of the unknown and the beauty of our world—a perfect combination for all adventure seekers! My second blog, akteq.com, is all about true, unsolved crime stories. Under the motto “akteQ: Cold Case Stories,” I reveal the eerie and often tragic stories behind unsolved cases. Together, we can explore the mysteries of the past and delve deep into the human psyche. What really happened? Who were the people behind these mysterious events? In this blog, I invite you to ask questions and find the answers that often remain hidden in the dark. You can find another exciting chapter in my blogging career at thecastles.org. Here, I embark on an enchanting journey through the history of castles and palaces. Pause for a moment as you discover the stories hidden within the walls of these ancient structures. “Explore the enchantment, discover the history – your journey begins at thecastles.org!” These words are more than just a slogan; they are an invitation to anyone who wants to combine history and magic. Be inspired by the impressive stories and the fascination of bygone eras! But that's not all! At kripo.org, you'll find a comprehensive online magazine for real criminal cases. Immerse yourself in the world of crime, learn about the real stories behind the headlines and the people who are involved in solving them. With criminal.energy, I take you on a journey through the gripping stories of true crimes in which villains are hunted, caught, and convicted. The search for justice and the confrontation with the unknown are at the center of it all. TrueCrime Blog 187.news takes you into the depths of crime. And for those who want to travel the world, wanderlust.plus offers the opportunity to explore the world, one adventure at a time. It's all about the love of exploration and the joy of discovering new cultures and landscapes. Finally, truecrime.ch invites you to discover the dark side of Switzerland and Europe: true crimes, true stories. Let's discover together the stories that shape the world around us. I look forward to accompanying you on this exciting journey and hope you will share many unforgettable moments with me!