The Early Italian Mafia In New Orleans

Around 1903 the Italian Mafia in New Orleans experienced a rash of dissension involving grocery merchants. Rivals attacked the family of Antonio Luciano, resulting in the murder of his brother Salvatore Luciano. The violence occurred in the aftermath of Mafia investment in a Donaldsonville, Louisiana pasta factory. Several investors, particularly Francesco Genova, moved to takeover the business at the Lucianos' expense. Genova, aka Francesco Mattesi, was also linked to New York City counterfeiter/restauranteur Giuseppe Morello. Morello and his gang carried out the murder of Benedetto Madonia of Buffalo, New York. Madonia, formerly a Morello agent, had disagreed with Giuseppe over his refusal to help associates who'd been convicted of counterfeiting in a Pittsburgh court.