Notorious Sicilian Mafia Boss Matteo Messina Denaro Dies in Hospital
Matteo Messina Denaro, the infamous Sicilian mafia boss, has passed away in a hospital in Central Italy, according to local authorities. This comes just nine months after his capture.
Illness and Transfer to Hospital
The 61-year-old had been receiving treatment for colon cancer while in detention at a high-security jail in L’Aquila. However, his condition worsened, and he was transferred to the hospital last month.
Confirmation of Death
The mayor of L’Aquila, Pierluigi Biondi, confirmed the news of Messina Denaro’s death in a statement to ANSA. He expressed gratitude towards the prison and hospital workers for their professionalism and humanity.
A Life of Violence and Blood
Messina Denaro lived a life without remorse or repentance, leaving behind a painful chapter in our nation’s history. He was known as one of the cruelest leaders of the Sicilian mafia, resembling characters from The Godfather movies.
Involvement in Crimes
The courts convicted Messina Denaro for his participation in the murder of anti-mafia judge Giovanni Falcone in 1992, as well as deadly explosions in Rome, Florence, and Milan in 1993. One of his six life sentences was also for the kidnapping and murder of a 12-year-old witness’s son.
Years on the Run and Capture
Messina Denaro managed to evade capture for 30 years until he was arrested in January 2023 while visiting a health clinic in Palermo. He was subsequently imprisoned in L’Aquila, where he received medical treatment before being transferred to the hospital.
Wiretapping and Investigation
During his time on the run, there was speculation that Messina Denaro had traveled abroad. However, it was eventually discovered that he had been living near his hometown. Investigators conducted wiretapping and extensive searches to locate him and track his activities.
Final Resting Place
Preparations are underway to bury Messina Denaro in the family tomb next to his father in the town of Castelvetrano. His father, Don Ciccio, was also the head of a local clan and died of a heart attack while on the run.
Overall, the death of Matteo Messina Denaro marks the end of a violent and notorious chapter in Italian history.
