Sam Sheppard

Organized crime boss, Sam Giancana climbed to the top of Chicagos underworld and became a player on the national stage through shadowy ties to the Kennedys.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, on June 15 (some sources say May 24), 1908, to Sicilian immigrant parents, Sam Giancana started out as a wheel man for Al Capone and worked his way to the top of Chicagos illegal gambling operations. He had many ties with politicians, including the Kennedy's, and was called to testify regarding Mafia involvement in a CIA plot to assassinate Castro. Giancana himself was killed before giving testimony.