Wandering Family
The Wandering Family, or Famiglia Vagabonda, was an American Prohibition-era criminal organization of Italian origin operating in Clarksburg, West Virginia, and Fairmont, West Virginia. They were composed of Black Handers, Camorristi and Mafiosi.
| Founded by | Frank Piscioneri |
|---|---|
| Founding location | West Virginia |
| Years active | 1908–1923 |
| Territory | Harrison County, Jackson County, Roane County, Lincoln County |
| Ethnicity | Italian, Irish |
| Criminal activities | bootlegging, extortion, kidnapping, gambling, drug trafficking, prostitution, protection racketeering |
John C. McKinney, a detective who investigated the group, identified them as the "Famalia [sic] Vagabonda." At the time, local media simply identified the group as The Black Hand.[1]
History
On 11 February 1923, Harrison County authorities arrested eight men in connection with the murder of Frank Naples.
In early 1924, several members were executed for murder. Nicholas Salamante, Phillip Connizzaro and Richard Ferri were sentenced to be hanged on 4 January 1924. Approximately a month later, on 15 February, Samual Muratore was also executed. Remnants of the crime family still exist today in Fairmont and Clarksburg, and have been reported to be present in Jackson and Roane counties.[2]
Leadership
"Big Joe" Cenetti led the Clarksburg group and James Urso led the Fairmont group. Current leaders are unknown by anyone outside the syndicate.
References
- "Black Hand Society Mafia". Marion County Centennial Yearbook, 1863–1963. Marion County Historical Society and Museum. 1963. Retrieved 13 March 2013.
- "US Death Penalty Executions - 1924". US Records Dept. Retrieved 13 March 2013.