On December 16, 1985, Gambino family boss Paul Castellano was assassinated outside Sparks Steakhouse in Manhattan, a hit orchestrated by John Gotti with the help of his trusted underboss, Sammy “The Bull” Gravano. Frustrated by Castellano’s leadership and his ban on lucrative side deals, Gotti sought to take control of the family. Gravano played a key role, sitting alongside Gotti in a nearby car and coordinating the operation. The attack, carried out by gunmen in trench coats and Russian fur hats during the busy holiday season, was as bold as it was calculated. With Castellano eliminated, Gotti quickly assumed leadership of the Gambino family, solidifying his infamy as the “Teflon Don” and setting the stage for Gravano’s eventual betrayal years later.
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