Mad Dog Coll: The Life and Crimes of a Notorious Mob Hitman
Vincent “Mad Dog” Coll, born Uinseann Ó Colla on July 20, 1908, is a figure that epitomizes the violent and chaotic underbelly of organized crime during the 1920s and early 1930s in New York City. Known primarily as a ruthless hitman for the Irish-American underworld, Coll’s name became synonymous with notorious acts of violence, culminating in a legacy marked by early infamy and grim notoriety. His story offers a window into the complex world of mobster culture, the immigrant experience in America, and the societal implications of organized crime during a tumultuous era.
Early Life and Background
Coll was born in the slums of New York City to Irish immigrant parents. Like many of his contemporaries, he grew up in an environment rife with poverty and limited opportunities, a breeding ground for the criminal elements that would later absorb him. His early life was marked by hardship and violence, which shaped his worldview and set him on a path towards a life of crime. As a product of his time and milieu, Coll was influenced by the strong Irish-American community that often found itself at odds with rival ethnic factions and law enforcement.
During the 1920s, the Prohibition era further complicated the landscape of organized crime, as it provided ample opportunities for illegal enterprises, particularly the bootlegging of alcohol. Coll quickly became involved in the burgeoning criminal underworld and aligned himself with various gangs. His reputation for brutality and a lack of remorse earned him the fear and respect of his peers.