A charismatic but violent visionary, Siegel is credited with turning a dusty desert town into the gambling capital of the world.
The Hitman: A founder of “Murder, Inc.,” Siegel was one of the mob’s most efficient killers. He reportedly took part in the hit on boss Joe Masseria, ending the Castellammarese War.
The Flamingo: He moved to the desert to build The Flamingo Hotel. Obsessed with perfection, he went massively over budget, costing the mob millions.
The End: Angered by the financial losses, the syndicate ordered his execution. In 1947, he was shot dead while reading a newspaper in his girlfriend’s Beverly Hills home.