Thomas Pitera biography

Synopsis

Early Life

Mobster and convicted criminal Thomas Pitera was born on December 2, 1954, in New York City. A member of the infamous Bonanno crime family, Thomas Pitera became one of the mobs' most brutal hitmen. This cold-blooded killer is known by several nicknames, including "The Butcher." He earned this moniker for the way he liked to dismember his victims after murdering them.

Pitera grew up in Brooklyn's Gravesend neighborhood. He became the target of bullies who picked on him for his high-pitched voice. Pitera started learning about martial arts as a way to defend himself. As a teenager, he advanced his martial arts training by studying in Japan. This interest later inspired the nickname "Tommy Karate." Returning to the United States in 1974, Pitera soon put his physical talents to use for the Bonanno crime family.

Life of Crime

As a favor to Gambino crime family member John Gotti, Pitera allegedly killed Wilfred "Willie Boy" Johnson. He took out rivals and associates alike. Not all of his killings were mob-related, however. One of his murders was strictly personal. After the death of his common-law wife Celeste, Pitera sought revenge. He murdered Phyllis Burdi, a friend of Celeste's who had been with her when she overdosed.

In all, Pitera is believed to have killed at least 60 people. "He regularly killed at will anyone who offended him, who crossed him, who hired him to do a piece of work," explained Phil Carlo, author of The Butcher: Anatomy of a Mafia Psychopath.

Arrest

In 1990, Pitera's deadly crime spree finally ended. He and more than 30 other members of the Bonanno crime family were arrested on federal charges in connection to a lethal drug trafficking operation. They are believed to have killed other drug dealers to steal their merchandise, which was then resold on the street. Authorities stated that the group dealt approximately 220 pounds of cocaine each year. While officially charged with seven murders, the group is thought to be responsible for dozens more. Pitera was indicted on 19 counts in all, including those related seven murders and two murder conspiracies.

A search of Pitera's apartment turned up an entire library of books on crime and killing. It included such titles as The Hitman's Handbook and Kill or Be Killed. A treasure trove of weapons was also discovered there.

Trial and Conviction

Pitera's trial began in May 1992. The 12-person jury listened to witnesses, including a member of his own crew, testify about Pitera's crimes. They discussed how Pitera liked to dismember his victims in a bathtub, cutting them up to make them easier to dispose of.