Biography: John Gotti

Growing up on the streets of the South Bronx and Italian Harlem, John ran errands for the local mafia from an early age. When he was fourteen, John's toes were crushed as he tried to steal a cement mixer. John pursued a life of crime on a full time basis and was arrested many times. In May 1973, he committed his first murder and was arrested. His lawyer, Roy Cohn, managed to work out a deal whereby John served only two years for the killing.

On December 16, 1985, Paul Castellano, the boss of the Gambino family, was gunned down while eating in Manhattan. Gotti, who was widely believed to have orchestrated the hit, was made boss soon after. At the same time, Gotti was facing a racketeering trial that turned into a media circus after a revenge attempt on his life in 1986. Gotti was acquitted. It is widely suspected that the jury was fixed.

Using a combination of undercover operatives, surveillance equipment, Gotti was finally convicted of murder and racketeering in 1992. As a repeat offender, Gotti was sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole and sent to federal prison in Marion, Illinois where he remains today.

~ John Patrick Sheehan, All Movie Guide