Manners of killing and rituals in Apulian mafia murders

J Forensic Sci. 2009 Jul;54(4):895-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2009.01068.x. Epub 2009 May 26.

Abstract

The Apulian (South of Italy) territory saw the birth of a criminal organization called Sacra Corona Unita (SCU, United Holy Crown) which transformed the rules of traditional mafia organizations. This work examined 83 victims of the SCU between 1980 and 2000. The bodies were mainly of SCU members and in some cases, of police and law enforcement officers and other citizens caught in the crossfire. Some of these were discovered; thanks to the collaboration of "repented" SCU members who became police informers. The condition of the bodies varied in relation to the date and manner of killing. In some cases anthropometric research methods were necessary. In 73% of the cases, lesions of the head were the only marks left on the body. In conclusion, the existence of some social aspects connected with the symbolisms and membership rites that characterized the origin, evolution, and decline of the SCU is stressed.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Burial
  • Burns / pathology
  • Ceremonial Behavior*
  • Culture
  • Explosive Agents
  • Female
  • Fractures, Comminuted / pathology
  • Head Injuries, Penetrating / pathology
  • Homicide*
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patella / injuries
  • Tattooing
  • Trinitrotoluene
  • Violence*
  • Wounds, Gunshot / pathology
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / pathology

Substances

  • Explosive Agents
  • Trinitrotoluene