Al Capone is one of the most notorious gangsters in American history, but he wasn't the only member of his family to be involved in organized crime. His older brother, James Capone, was also a member of the Chicago Outfit, but he lived a much quieter life than his infamous sibling. However, James' death was just as mysterious as Al's life, and it remains a topic of discussion among true crime enthusiasts to this day.
Who Was James Capone?
James Vincenzo Capone was born on December 31, 1892, in Brooklyn, New York. He was the oldest of the Capone brothers, and he was known to be a quiet and reserved individual. Unlike his younger brother, James didn't have a criminal record and he wasn't involved in any of the Chicago Outfit's notorious activities.
However, James was still a part of the Outfit, and he worked as a bookkeeper for some of the organization's illegal operations. He also helped his brother Al manage some of his businesses, including a speakeasy that Al owned in Cicero, Illinois.
What Happened to James Capone?
On November 8, 1952, James Capone died at the age of 59. His death certificate listed the cause of death as a heart attack, but some people believe that foul play was involved.
One theory is that James was murdered by members of the Chicago Outfit. Some people believe that James knew too much about the organization's illegal activities, and that he was killed to prevent him from talking to the authorities.
Another theory is that James was killed by his own family. Some people believe that Al Capone was involved in his brother's death, either because James knew too much about Al's activities or because Al wanted to eliminate any potential rivals within the Outfit.
What Do We Know?
Despite the many theories, we may never know what really happened to James Capone. There is no concrete evidence to support any of the theories, and the case remains unsolved.
However, one thing is certain: James Capone's death marked the end of an era for the Capone family. With both Al and James gone, the family's ties to the Chicago Outfit were severed, and their influence in the criminal underworld began to fade.
The Legacy of the Capone Brothers
Today, the Capone brothers are remembered as two of the most notorious figures in American history. Al Capone's name is synonymous with organized crime, and his legacy has been immortalized in countless books, movies, and TV shows.
James Capone, on the other hand, is a footnote in history. He lived a quiet life and was never as famous or infamous as his younger brother. However, his death remains a mystery, and it serves as a reminder of the dark and dangerous world of the Chicago Outfit.