Paul Castellano hit

Anyone think Paul would have been hit if Roy DeMeo and Anthony Gaggi were still roaming the streets in 1985? Do you think John Gotti; Frank DeCicco and the opposition faction would have had the confidence to take them all out?

I honestly don't think so; but would like input!

I keep hearing how Gotti had respect for Roy as a killer. That said, I don't think that would have deterred Gotti. He was willing to kill a boss in the face of potential repercussions from anyone inside the family and outside as well (I've heard conflicting reports if he got approval or not - i can't imagine the commission okayed Castellano's death since they all seemed to be making money together, although that is my own speculation). He waited out Dellacroce before killing Big Paul out of respect, but all of Mr. Neil's schooling about the rules, etc., did not alter his course of action.

Just my two cents.

You have to remember that Gotti's own life along with Gene's and Angelo's life were on the line due to the drug case. The only reason they hadn't been killed was because Dellacroce was alive. Dellacroce dies and less than a month later, Castellano hit goes forward. Paul was also vulnerable at the time due to his own pending trial. The timing was right.

Remember decicco went to feel out the other Capos. Nino was close with Paul. He would've said something and if Paul hadn't killed Roy, Gotti would've been dead. If Roy didn't bring on all the heat that warranted his death, Paul probably would've asked once for those tapes, Neil or no Neil. Gambino would've only asked once. Paul slipped and the rest is history. There was a documentary that explored how Paul killed Demeo because he thought he may rat. But the fbi said they would never except him as a witness because of his heinous crimes. Not even ten years later they use gravano against Gotti.

Gotti was absolutely terrified of Roy...and of Paul. I mean Manybgive Gotti creditbforbthe hot but let’s be honest Frank Decicco and Gravano has a lot to do with it and if they didn’t join in Gotti wouldn’t of been able to do a damn thing

Rediculous

Yes, According to Kurens and O'Brien in "Boss of Bosses," the other Dons were pissed at Paul because they had heard of him badmouthing them on the tapes the FBI made for Paul's RICO trial. Also, they were seriously worried that Paul would rat them out rather than spend the rest of his life in prison, away from his beloved Colombian housemaid. That's probably why Gotti got away with whacking a boss without the Commission's go-ahead.

The narrative that Gotti wouldn’t have killed big Paul because of two guys albeit one being a serial killer is none sense. Gotti was all in and for good reason it was kill or be killed. Not mention his giant fucking ego and all those stroking it for him.

It isnt nonsense. The hit would of never happened unless frank decicco and Sammy Gravano were onboard. Angelo basically said that when he was begging them for help leading up to it Now the shooters were apart of Johns crew and supposedly he came up with them wearing Russian hats which was smart BUT Frankie Decicco did a lot of the planning and talking to the higher ups like gallo and Joe Piney. Gottis role in the actual hit was a driver.

Go back and read what I wrote. I said because of two guys I didn’t say Gotti planned it or acted alone. You don’t pull off a coup like that alone. It takes a team and people willing to risk life and limb. So again just to be clear of what I said the narrative that Gotti wouldn’t have done it BECAUSE OF TWO GUYS is none sense.

I read what you wrote. But impossible to say for sure either way. If Roy and his crew were around then John most likely wouldnt attempt it since it was well know he feard those guys. Hell in 1982 Gene was caught on wiretap basically saying the same thing

I actually don't think it's a sure thing that Gotti etc wouldn't have made the move on Castellano if DeMeo was still around. Looking through Underboss and Murder Machine, it seems DeMeo really resented Castellano. Freddy DiNome even claims DeMeo fantasised about whacking Paul himself at one point.

Where DeMeo would fit in post Castellano assassination is an interesting thought...

I would like to know what nino was thinking when he was in jail and paul got whacked? Also what was he like with gotti? Nino seems like someone who could’ve been in an admin position. Old school guy and still put in work as a capo chasing down old guys that punched him years ago. What about when him and Roy whacked the Eppolitos.

Thats true. Paul had no love for Roy . He refused to induct him until the Westies alliance. I guess my main point was that Frankie Decicco was the key because he was highly respected and many wanted him to be the boss. I think Frank let John be the boss knowing he probably wouldnt last long but of course we know what happened to Frankie

That's a good question; Nino absolutely hated Gotti; That's a fact. Nino was out on the streets with Gotti for like 3 to 4 months into Gotti's reign before he got jailed. Gotti called Nino to several meetings; but Nino refused.. It's also been said that John didn't want to bump him down because he was a respected veteran in the family. Nino even had the balls to order one of his guys to contact Gotti about having a sitdown. Gotti got mad and said "You tell him; He bring his ass here to come see me"

Nino def could have been in an admin position if Roy was still around. That incident with him shooting at a cop kind of hurt his standing with Paul.

nino was loyal to Paul so you are right about he feelings about Gotti. Unfortunately for nino his days were done anyway around the time Paul was killed.

@JCrusher.

Nino's relationship with Paul was definitely deteriorated; but do you think Paul would have had Nino clipped? I honestly dont think so. I think Paul would have just put him on the shelf. They were real tight before the cop shooting. Nino inspired to be underboss to Paul; but it never happened.

Anyone know what Tom Bilotti and Roy Demeo's relationship was like? Both were pitbull's pretty much...

I dont think so. I mean even after the cop shootout when nino got back he still carried out big jobs like demeos death. As for bilotti and roy? I doubt they had much of a relationship besides seeing eachother once in a while when roy dropped off pauls tribute

@JCrusher

That's true. What do you mean around the time that Paul got killed; Nino's days were done? After DeMeo's death, Was he still a powerhouse or a declineing captain?

With Tom Bilotti and Roy's temperament; I'm pretty sure they didn't like eachother. Probaly only saw eachother when Roy dropped off tribute at Paul's mansion as you stated.

Even if he wasn't killed, how successful would have DeMeo been after Paul's death? It seems like his businesses (the car theft ring for one) was hot on the Feds radar.