Monday, May 24, 2021

The Kidnapping and Murder of Joseph (Giuseppe) Varotta


On May 24, 1921, 5-year-old Joseph (Giuseppe) Varotta was given a penny from his mother. He was last seen in the Italian community his family lived in Manhattan, New York. He disappeared this day and soon after a ransom letter showed up in the mail.

It was soon found that the boy was kidnapped by the Black Hand gang. The group was known for the extortion. They wanted $2,500 in exchange for the boy. The community could not raise the money though and unfortunately, Joseph was never seen alive again.

On June 11, 1921, the body of the young boy was found by a paper-mill worker. His body had washed ashore the Hudson River at Piermont, New York. It was just south of where the Tappan Zee Bridge is now.  It was found that he was thrown in the river and drowned. His father identified him through his clothes and teeth.

Three members of the Blackhand gang were tried and sentenced to death. Later Governor Alfred E. Smith sentenced them to life in prison instead.

SOURCES:
Find a Grave                              
News Day
The New York Herald
Daily News

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