Joseph "Joe The Animal" Barboza, a notorious mob hitman, met a violent end on February 11, 1976, in San Francisco, California. Barboza, who had earned his fearsome nickname due to his brutal methods, including biting off a man's cheek in a fit of rage, was a prominent figure in the New England Patriarca crime family. His criminal career was marked by his involvement in numerous murders, with claims of having killed at least 26 men.
Barboza's life took a dramatic turn when he became the first member of the witness protection program after testifying against the Mafia in several high-profile trials.
Despite his new identity and relocation to the Bay Area, Barboza's violent tendencies persisted. He was involved in a murder in Santa Rosa, which led to his true identity being revealed during the trial. After serving a prison sentence, Barboza moved to San Francisco, where he attempted to establish himself in the local organized crime scene. However, his past caught up with him, and the Mafia sent assassins to eliminate him. On the day of his death, Barboza was ambushed and gunned down by mob hitman Joe Russo in the Sunset District of San Francisco. The attack was a well-coordinated hit, with Barboza's friend betraying him and setting him up for the assassination.
The investigation into Barboza's murder revealed the involvement of organized crime, with the FBI and U.S. Marshals taking over the case. The authorities provided around-the-clock security for families associated with Barboza, highlighting the high level of anxiety and concern surrounding the case. Despite the efforts to protect those connected to Barboza, the hit on him was a stark reminder of the reach and ruthlessness of the Mafia. The case remains a significant example of the dangers faced by those who turn against organized crime and the lengths to which the Mafia will go to silence informants.
